106 A client with a fracture of the right femur has had skeletal traction applied. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's nursing care plan?

Epidural anesthesia, commonly used for pain relief during labor, works by blocking nerve impulses in the lower part of the spine, leading to a decrease in sensation and pain in that area. However, this blockade also affects the sympathetic nerves, which are responsible for regulating blood pressure. When these nerves are blocked, they can cause peripheral vasodilation, which is the widening of the blood vessels in the periphery of the body.

Peripheral vasodilation leads to a decrease in vascular resistance, which can significantly lower blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, is a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. Hypotension can reduce the blood flow to vital organs, including the placenta, which may affect fetal oxygenation if not promptly and effectively managed. This necessitates careful monitoring and management, typically involving fluid administration and sometimes the use of medications to maintain stable blood pressure during the administration of epidural anesthesia.

A. Teach the client how to count carbohydrates - Non-urgent. While essential for long- term management of diabetes, carbohydrate counting is not immediately critical in the acute management phase of HHS in the ICU. This teaching should be delayed until the patient is stabilized.
B. Stop the insulin infusion - Contraindicated. Stopping insulin in a patient with HHS, which is characterized by severe hyperglycemia, would be harmful. Insulin therapy is critical to reduce blood glucose levels safely.

C. Decrease the frequency of blood glucose tests - Contraindicated. Frequent monitoring is crucial in managing HHS, especially when insulin therapy is being administered, to prevent hypoglycemia and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
D. Start the client on a regular diet - Contraindicated. Introducing a regular diet during the acute phase of HHS could exacerbate the hyperglycemia. Nutritional needs should be assessed and managed carefully, typically starting with IV fluids and gradually transitioning to enteral or oral feeding as the patient stabilizes.
E. Decrease the insulin IV infusion to 0.05 units/kg/hr- Indicated. As blood sugar levels decrease, the insulin infusion rate may be cautiously reduced to prevent hypoglycemia.