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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The largest fetal diameter passing through the pelvic outlet is not what is indicated by the presenting part being at 0 station. This would be more indicative of a positive station, such as
+31.
Choice B rationale
The position of the fetal head, such as left occiput posterior, is not determined by the station of the presenting part. The station refers to the level of the presenting part in relation to the mother’s ischial spines.
Choice C rationale
The palpability of the posterior fontanel is not related to the station of the presenting part. The fontanels are soft spots on the baby’s head which allow for compression during birth and brain growth after birth.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct interpretation of the clinical finding. The presenting part is at 0 station when its lowermost portion is at the level of an imaginary line drawn between the client’s ischial spines.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inserting a urinary catheter is not typically the first action when the fundus is displaced. It is more commonly done when the bladder is distended and the patient is unable to urinate.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the fundus is usually done when the uterus is soft or boggy to help it contract and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, in this case, the fundus is firm, indicating that the uterus is well contracted.
Choice C rationale
Having the patient urinate is the appropriate action when the fundus is displaced to the right of the midline. This displacement often indicates a full bladder, which can push the uterus to the side. After the patient urinates, the uterus often returns to the midline position.
Choice D rationale
Administering an analgesic is not the first action when the fundus is displaced. Pain medication is typically given for postpartum discomfort or afterbirth pains, not for a displaced fundus.
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