A nurse is caring for a client who is 42 weeks of gestation.

Exhibits

Based on the assessment findings, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? Click to specify whether the nurse's planned actions are anticipated, nonessential, or contraindicated

Choice A Reason:

Placing the client in a supine position for 30 minutes following the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a standard recommendation. The positioning during epidural placement is typically a seated or side-lying position.

Choice B Reason:

Administering 1,000 mL of dextrose 5% in water prior to the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a standard practice for epidural anesthesi

A. Fluids may be administered, but the type and volume depend on the patient's individual needs and the healthcare provider's orders.

Choice C Reason:

Monitoring the client's blood pressure every minute following the first dose of anesthetic solution is appropriate. Epidural anesthesia can potentially cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which is a common side effect. Therefore, close monitoring of the client's blood pressure is crucial, especially following the administration of the initial dose of the anesthetic solution. The goal is to promptly detect and manage any decrease in blood pressure to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Choice D Reason:

Ensuring the client has been NPO (nothing by mouth) for 4 hours prior to the placement of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a specific requirement for epidural anesthesi

A. NPO status is more relevant to surgical procedures involving general anesthesia and is not typically a strict requirement for epidural placement.

The correct answer is B. Position the client with one hip elevated.

A. Having the client void is a good practice, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's vital signs suggest a potential issue with uteroplacental perfusion, and repositioning the client should be the priority.

B. Positioning the client with one hip elevated is the priority action.

The vital signs, specifically the low blood pressure, may be indicative of aortocaval compression (supine hypotension). Elevating one hip helps alleviate this compression, improving blood flow and potentially addressing the decreased blood pressure.

C. Asking the client if she needs pain medication is important, but repositioning the client takes precedence due to the potential issue with blood pressure and uteroplacental perfusion.

D. Notifying the provider is important, but repositioning the client to improve blood flow should be done first. The provider may be notified afterward based on the client's response and ongoing assessment.