A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor and just received an epidural. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as an adverse effect?
Tachypnea
Hyperreflexia
Hypothermia
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Tachypnea: An increased respiratory rate is not commonly associated with epidural anesthesia and is not a typical adverse effect. It may result from anxiety or pain but does not directly indicate a problem with the epidural.
B. Hyperreflexia: Epidurals often reduce sensation and reflexes, not heighten them. Hyperreflexia is not expected and would not be a direct adverse effect of epidural administration during labor.
C. Hypothermia: While mild temperature changes may occur, hypothermia is not a common or significant adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. It is not typically monitored as a key complication.
D. Hypotension: Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation by blocking sympathetic nerve fibers, leading to a drop in maternal blood pressure. This is a well-known and common adverse effect requiring close monitoring and potential intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices:
- Seizures: The client presents with severe preeclampsia, indicated by BP >160/110 mm Hg, 3+ proteinuria, hyperreflexia (patellar reflex 4+), and persistent headache. These are strong predictors of progression to eclampsia, which is marked by seizures.
- Placental Abruption: Severe hypertension increases the risk of placental abruption due to vascular compromise in the uteroplacental circulation. Decreased fetal movement may be an early warning sign of impaired placental perfusion or separation.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
- Cervical Insufficiency: This is a painless cervical dilation often leading to second-trimester loss, unrelated to hypertension or proteinuria. The client is in the third trimester with no signs of cervical changes.
- Hypoglycemia: The client has no history of diabetes, glucose intolerance, or related symptoms. Her urine glucose was only trace, and no medications suggest insulin use.
- Heart Failure: No signs of pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, or elevated heart rate are present. Oxygen saturation is normal, and breath sounds are not mentioned as abnormal, making CHF unlikely at this stage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Maintain the client in a supine position for 24 hours following surgery.": Prolonged supine positioning increases the risk of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis. Early mobilization and elevating the head of the bed help promote lung expansion and reduce postoperative risks.
B. "Expect the client to have a palpable distended bladder following surgery.": A distended bladder is not expected and may indicate urinary retention, a common complication after anesthesia. The nurse should assess and address it promptly, rather than consider it normal.
C. "Report bleeding that saturates the client's dressing.": Active bleeding that saturates a postoperative dressing may indicate hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention. Reporting this finding is critical to prevent further complications like hypovolemia or shock.
D. "Ensure the client's urinary output is no less than 20 mL per hour.": Urine output should be at least 30 mL per hour in adults. A rate below this may indicate hypoperfusion or renal impairment and should prompt further assessment and intervention.
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