A nurse is caring for a client who is at 14 weeks of gestation and has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

Choice A rationale:

Polyuria is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. It is unrelated to this type of pain control.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. Epidurals can actually cause a decrease in blood pressure due to vasodilation.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Pruritus, or itching, is a common adverse effect of epidural anesthesia caused by the release of histamines from local anesthetics.

Choice D rationale:

Dry mouth is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with general anesthesia or medications with anticholinergic effects.

Choice A rationale:

Assessing for bladder distention is important for postpartum clients, especially those who have undergone perineal trauma during childbirth. However, it is not the priority assessment during a sitz bath. The sitz bath is usually done to promote healing and comfort, and monitoring pulse rate takes precedence to identify any adverse reactions.

Choice B rationale:

Pulse rate should be the priority assessment during a sitz bath for a postpartum client. Sitz baths can cause vasodilation, leading to a potential drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, or dizziness. Monitoring the pulse rate helps identify any cardiovascular changes or adverse reactions.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate is not the priority assessment during a sitz bath. It is essential to monitor, but it is less likely to be affected directly by the sitz bath compared to the pulse rate and cardiovascular changes.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring the color of lochia is essential for assessing postpartum bleeding and uterine healing. However, during a sitz bath, the priority assessment should be focused on cardiovascular changes and any adverse reactions the client might experience.