A nurse is caring for a 26-year-old female client who is in active labor in the labor and delivery unit.

The client has requested epidural anesthesia, and it has been administered to manage her pain during labor. The nurse is now monitoring her condition closely.

Exhibits

Select the 3 findings that would require immediate action from the nurse while the laboring mother is receiving epidural anesthesia.

Choice A rationale

Asking the mother about usual care practices might provide useful information, but it is not the best immediate intervention for addressing the child's dry and cracked lips and nares. Immediate action should be taken to provide relief.

Choice B rationale

Using a topical lidocaine analgesic is not appropriate for treating dryness and cracking of the lips and nares. Lidocaine is an anesthetic, not a moisturizing agent, and could cause additional irritation or adverse reactions if used improperly.

Choice C rationale

Applying petroleum jelly to the child's nose and lips is not recommended as it poses a risk of aspiration, especially in young children. Inhaling petroleum jelly can lead to respiratory issues and is therefore not a safe option.

Choice D rationale

Using a water-soluble lubricant is the best option for moisturizing and protecting the child's dry and cracked lips and nares. Water-soluble lubricants are safe for use on mucous membranes and provide effective relief without the risk of aspiration.

Choice B rationale: Assessing the client's pain is crucial as the client becomes more aware. Pain management is essential for comfort and recovery. As the client wakes up, they may begin to experience pain and discomfort, which should be promptly addressed.

Choice F rationale: Determining the client’s decision-making ability is important as the client wakes up to assess their cognitive status and ability to participate in their own care decisions. This helps in planning further care and interventions appropriately.

Choice G rationale: Decreasing the noise and light stimuli in the room as much as possible helps to create a calm environment, which is important for a patient recovering from trauma and surgery. It helps reduce anxiety and agitation as the client becomes more aware of their surroundings.

Choice H rationale: Explaining all procedures is essential for the client’s understanding and cooperation. Clear communication helps reduce anxiety and ensures that the client knows what to expect, which is important for their overall comfort and trust in the healthcare team.

Choice A rationale: Increasing the propofol infusion is incorrect because it is necessary to assess the client’s awareness and response to the current sedation level. Over-sedating the client can delay recovery and obscure their neurological status.

Choice C rationale: Notifying the social worker the client is awake is not immediately necessary at this stage. The focus should be on the client's medical and physical condition first.

Choice D rationale: Having the client sign consent forms for procedures already performed is inappropriate because the client may not be in a suitable mental state to provide informed consent due to recent sedation and trauma.

Choice E rationale: Considering extubating the client is premature. The decision to extubate should be based on a thorough assessment of the client’s readiness, including their ability to maintain their airway and adequate ventilation.