A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural anesthesia. The client is hypotensive with decreased placental perfusion.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
Administer lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus.
Place the client in a knee-chest position.
Monitor the client's blood pressure every 30 min.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min might marginally increase fetal oxygenation, but it does not address the primary issue of hypotension causing decreased placental perfusion. The fundamental problem is reduced blood flow to the placenta, necessitating interventions that increase maternal circulating volume and blood pressure to improve perfusion.
Choice B rationale
Administering a lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus directly addresses hypotension by expanding the maternal intravascular volume. This increased circulating volume raises blood pressure, thereby improving placental perfusion and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution, effective for rapid volume expansion.
Choice C rationale
Placing the client in a knee-chest position is typically used to alleviate cord compression or prolapse by shifting the fetus, not for treating hypotension. This position can actually worsen hypotension by trapping blood in the lower extremities and reducing venous return to the heart, further compromising placental blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the client's blood pressure every 30 minutes is a crucial assessment but is not an immediate intervention for acute hypotension with decreased placental perfusion. While ongoing monitoring is essential, immediate actions are required to correct the underlying cause of hypotension and restore adequate blood flow to the placenta.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is typically performed much later in pregnancy, usually between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. This screening is crucial for identifying carriers and administering prophylactic antibiotics during labor to prevent vertical transmission to the newborn, which can cause severe infections like sepsis or meningitis.
Choice B rationale
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening is a standard diagnostic test offered to all pregnant clients during their first prenatal visit, typically around 12 weeks of gestation. Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as antiretroviral therapy, to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission and improve maternal health outcomes.
Choice C rationale
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is an invasive diagnostic procedure performed earlier in pregnancy, usually between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation, but it is not a routine screening test. It is typically offered to clients at high risk for genetic disorders due to family history, advanced maternal age, or abnormal prenatal screening results.
Choice D rationale
Cervical cone biopsy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix, typically to evaluate or treat abnormal cervical cells. It is not a routine diagnostic test during a normal prenatal visit and is usually performed prior to pregnancy or if there are specific gynecological concerns.
Correct Answer is ["8"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to convert grams to milligrams. 2 g × (1000 mg ÷ 1 g) = 2000 mg.
Step 2 is to divide the total milligrams needed by the milligrams per tablet. 2000 mg ÷ 250 mg = 8 tablets. The nurse should administer 8 tablets.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.