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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test is a screening test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. It is used to assess the likelihood of certain birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Choice B rationale
The MSAFP test does not assess fetal lung maturity. Other tests, such as amniocentesis, can be used to assess this.
Choice C rationale
The MSAFP test does not identify Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus. Rh incompatibility is typically determined through blood typing and antibody screening.
Choice D rationale
While the MSAFP test can provide valuable information about the health of the fetus, it does not assess various markers of fetal well-being. It is specifically used to screen for certain birth defects.
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.
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