A nurse is assessing a client who is in labor and has received epidural analgesia. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize and document as an adverse effect of epidural analgesia?
Hypotension.
Polyuria.
Fetal heart rate 152/min.
Maternal temperature of 37.4° C (99.4° F).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Hypotension is a common adverse effect of epidural analgesia due to the blockage of sympathetic nerve fibers, which can lead to vasodilation and decreased cardiac output.
Choice B rationale:
Polyuria is not typically associated with epidural analgesia. It could be related to other factors such as fluid administration or underlying medical conditions.
Choice C rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 152/min is within the normal range (110-160 beats/min) and is not an adverse effect of epidural analgesia.
Choice D rationale:
A maternal temperature of 37.4° C (99.4° F) is within the normal range (36.1° C to 37.2° C or 97° F to 99° F) and is not an adverse effect of epidural analgesia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A feeling of vaginal fullness is not a therapeutic effect of oxytocin. It could indicate a vaginal hematoma or retained placental fragments.
Choice B rationale:
The client’s fundus is firm and midline. This is the expected therapeutic effect of oxytocin. It stimulates uterine contractions to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale:
Saturating a perineal pad in 1 hr could indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which is not a therapeutic effect of oxytocin.
Choice D rationale:
The client’s umbilical cord lengthening is not related to oxytocin administration. It could indicate placental separation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypotension is a common adverse effect of epidural analgesia due to the blockage of sympathetic nerve fibers, which can lead to vasodilation and decreased cardiac output.
Choice B rationale:
Polyuria is not typically associated with epidural analgesia. It could be related to other factors such as fluid administration or underlying medical conditions.
Choice C rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 152/min is within the normal range (110-160 beats/min) and is not an adverse effect of epidural analgesia.
Choice D rationale:
A maternal temperature of 37.4° C (99.4° F) is within the normal range (36.1° C to 37.2° C or 97° F to 99° F) and is not an adverse effect of epidural analgesia.
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