A nurse is attending to a patient in labor who has received an epidural anesthesia block. The patient’s blood pressure reads 80/40 mm Hg and the fetal heart rate is 140/min.
What should be the nurse’s immediate course of action?
Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes.
Elevate the patient’s legs.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Position the patient laterally.
Position the patient laterally.
The Correct Answer is D
If a patient in labor who has received an epidural anesthesia block has a blood pressure reading of 80/40 mm Hg, the nurse’s immediate course of action should be to position the patient laterally. This helps to maximize venous return and cardiac output, thereby improving maternal blood pressure and fetal perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A baseline BP of 140/85 mmHg is considered high, but a current BP of 129/80 mmHg is within the normal range. Therefore, this would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice B rationale
A significant increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 110/70 mmHg to a current BP of 145/85 mmHg could indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice C rationale
A slight increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 120/80 mmHg to a current BP of 126/85 mmHg would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice D rationale
An increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 110/60 mmHg to a current BP of 120/63 mmHg would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. If a patient is experiencing preeclampsia, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions, as seizures can occur in severe cases. The nurse should also monitor the patient’s neurological status and liver function studies, as these can be affected by preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can occur during pregnancy, but the actions listed do not fully address the condition. While bed rest was once commonly recommended for high blood pressure during pregnancy, research has not shown it to be effective. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is important, but other interventions, such as medication, may also be necessary.
Choice C rationale
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Insulin may be administered to help control blood glucose levels. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels and fetal heart rate, as gestational diabetes can affect both the mother and the baby. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Tocolytics may be administered to slow or stop contractions. The nurse should monitor the contraction pattern and cervical dilation to assess for progression of labor. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
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