A nurse is attending to a client who is receiving opioid epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following observations should the nurse prioritize?
The client reports profuse itching.
Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F).
Blood pressure 80/56 mm Hg.
The client reports weakness of the lower extremities.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While itching can be a side effect of opioid analgesics, it is not the priority observation. Itching can be uncomfortable for the client, but it is not life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F) indicates a low-grade fever. While this should be monitored, it is not the priority observation in this situation.
Choice C rationale
The priority observation is the client’s blood pressure. Opioid epidural analgesia can cause hypotension, which can lead to inadequate perfusion to the mother and the fetus. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Weakness of the lower extremities can be a side effect of epidural analgesia, but it is not the priority observation. The nurse should monitor for this, but it is not as critical as monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C. . . However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when late decelerations in the FHR are noted.
Choice B rationale
Applying a fetal scalp electrode is a procedure used for continuous fetal heart monitoring during labor. It provides a more accurate and consistent transmission of the fetal heart rate than external methods. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when late decelerations in the FHR are noted.
Choice C rationale
Changing the client’s position can help improve uteroplacental blood flow and fetal oxygenation. It is often the first action taken when late decelerations are noted in the FHR.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the rate of the IV infusion can help increase maternal blood volume and improve uteroplacental blood flow. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when late decelerations in the FHR are noted.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a client reports feeling down and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry, the nurse’s priority action should be to ask the client if she has considered harming her newborn. This is because these symptoms may indicate postpartum depression, a serious condition that can lead to harm to both the mother and the baby if left untreated.
Choice B rationale
While reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is important, it is not the priority action in this situation. The client’s emotional health needs to be addressed first.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises can be helpful, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client’s immediate emotional health needs to be addressed first.
Choice D rationale
Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant may be part of the treatment plan for this client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse first needs to assess the safety of the client and her newborn.
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