A client is receiving an epidural anesthesia during labor. Which observation is the most important adverse effect that the practical nurse (PN) should assess for following the administration of the epidural?
Maternal hypotension.
A vaginal hematoma.
A continuous headache.
Urinary retention.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Maternal hypotension is a significant adverse effect of epidural anesthesia that can lead to decreased uterine blood flow and fetal distress. Monitoring for hypotension is critical to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being.
B. While a vaginal hematoma is a potential complication, it is less immediately associated with the administration of epidural anesthesia compared to hypotension.
C. A continuous headache could indicate post-dural puncture but is less common and not the primary immediate concern compared to hypotension following an epidural.
D. Urinary retention can occur with epidural anesthesia, but maternal hypotension is a more urgent and significant immediate concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"C"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Leaving an Older Adult in a Public Space
- Abandonment: Leaving the client alone in a public space can be considered abandonment, as it involves a failure to provide necessary care and supervision.
- Untreated Pressure Injuries
- Neglect: Untreated pressure injuries indicate a failure to provide adequate care and preventative measures, which is a form of neglect.
- Oversedation
- Physical Abuse: Administering excessive medication or sedation without proper medical justification can be a form of physical abuse.
- Poor Personal Hygiene
- Neglect: Poor personal hygiene often results from neglect, where the caregiver fails to assist with or encourage personal care practices.
- Depression or Withdrawn Behavior
- Neglect: Depression or withdrawn behavior can result from neglectful conditions, such as a lack of social interaction or emotional support.
- Bruises in Various Stages of Healing
- Physical Abuse: Bruises in various stages of healing are a classic sign of physical abuse, indicating that the client has been subjected to physical harm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Pallor is not directly related to low serum calcium levels. It may indicate anemia or other conditions, but it is not a primary concern for hypocalcemia.
B. Bruising is generally associated with clotting issues or trauma, not specifically with low serum calcium. Low calcium can affect clotting, but bruising is not a direct or primary symptom of hypocalcemia.
C. Tetany, which includes symptoms like muscle spasms, twitching, and numbness, is a key indicator of low serum calcium levels. Monitoring for tetany is essential in managing clients with malabsorption syndrome who have hypocalcemia.
D. Jaundice is a sign of liver dysfunction or hemolysis, not directly related to low calcium levels. Low serum calcium is not typically associated with jaundice.
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