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 C
Explanation
Choice A: Fetal movements, also known as quickening, are usually felt by the mother between weeks 18 and 25 of pregnancy, not specifically at week 24.
Choice B: While the sex of the baby is determined at conception, it is not visually identifiable on ultrasound until around week 16 to 20, depending on the fetus's position and the quality of the ultrasound images.
Choice C: The baby's heartbeat can be visualized on ultrasound as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy. It becomes audible using a Doppler stethoscope around 8 to 9 weeks of pregnancy.
Choice D: Lanugo, the fine hair covering the baby's body, usually appears around weeks 20 to 24 of pregnancy and begins to diminish later in pregnancy, not specifically at week 36.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A weight gain of about 1 pound per week is a general guideline for women with normal BMI. However, for a client with a BMI of 26.5, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy may differ.
Choice B: Gaining 11 to 20 pounds may not be sufficient for a client with a BMI of 26.5, as the recommended weight gain is slightly higher for women with a higher prepregnancy BMI.
Choice C: For a client with a BMI of 26.5, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is approximately 15 to 25 pounds. This range is specific to women with a BMI in the overweight category.
Choice D: Gaining 25 to 35 pounds is recommended for clients with a lower BMI range (normal BMI). For a client with a BMI of 26.5, this amount of weight gain may be excessive.

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