A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and is at the end of her first trimester. The nurse should place the Doppler ultrasound stethoscope in which of the following locations to begin assessing for the fetal heart tones (FHT)?

The correct answer is B. Place the client in the lateral position.

A. Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion may be necessary, but the initial action should be to address potential aortocaval compression. Repositioning the client to the lateral position helps alleviate compression on the vena cava and improves blood flow to the uterus.

B. Placing the client in the lateral position is the correct first action. Changing the client's position, particularly from a supine to a side-lying position, can relieve aortocaval compression and improve uteroplacental perfusion.

C. Elevating the client's legs is not the priority in this situation. Repositioning the client to the lateral position is more important to address potential aortocaval compression.

D. Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask may be indicated, but repositioning the client to the lateral position is the first action to address potential aortocaval compression. Oxygen administration can follow if necessary.

The correct answer is C. Hypotension.

A. Respiratory depression is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. It is more associated with opioid analgesics or excessive administration of other anesthetics.

B. Tachycardia is generally not associated with epidural anesthesia. It is more commonly observed in response to pain or anxiety.

C. Hypotension is a common complication of epidural anesthesia.

Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. This is particularly common when the block is administered rapidly or with a higher dose.

D. Vomiting is not a direct complication of epidural anesthesia. Nausea and vomiting are more commonly associated with opioid analgesics or general anesthesia.