A nurse is assessing a client in labor who has had epidural anesthesia for pain relief. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a complication from the epidural block?
Vomiting
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Respiratory depression
The Correct Answer is C
A) Vomiting: Vomiting is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. Nausea can occur but is not directly related to the epidural block itself.
B) Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. It may occur due to other factors, but it is not directly associated with the epidural block.
C) Hypotension: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a common complication of epidural anesthesia. The epidural can cause vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure. It is essential to monitor the client's blood pressure and intervene promptly if hypotension occurs.
D) Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is not a typical complication of epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia mainly affects the lower part of the body and does not usually cause significant respiratory effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and one of the first interventions is to improve uterine blood flow by changing the client's position. Placing the client in a left lateral position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby.
Choice B: Administering oxygen is a correct intervention for late decelerations, but it should follow the position change. Oxygen administration helps increase oxygen levels in the maternal blood, which can improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, but it does not address the immediate concern of late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the priority.
Choice D: Increasing the rate of the IV infusion might not have an immediate effect on resolving late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the initial interventions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin would worsen the uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress that are indicated by the frequent, long, and strong contractions and uniform decelerations.
B. Correct. Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin would stop the uterine hyperstimulation and allow the fetus to recover from hypoxia.
C. Incorrect. Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution would not affect the uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress, as they are caused by the oxytocin, not by the fluid volume.
D. Incorrect. Slowing the client's rate of breathing would not help with the uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress, as they are not related to maternal hyperventilation or respiratory alkalosis.
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