A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving opioid epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Blood pressure 80/56 mm Hg.
The client reports profuse itching.
The client reports weakness of the lower extremities.
Temperature 38.2°C (100.8 F).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The nurse's priority in this situation is the client's blood pressure of 80/56 mm Hg. Opioid epidural analgesia can cause a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension. Hypotension can be a significant concern during labor, as it may reduce blood flow to the placenta and compromise the baby's well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to address this finding promptly to prevent any adverse effects on both the mother and the baby. The nurse may need to administer intravenous fluids, adjust the dosage of the opioid medication, or take other appropriate actions to raise the blood pressure to a safer level.
Choice B reason:
While profuse itching (choice B) can be a common side effect of opioids, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. Itching, also known as pruritus, can be managed with antihistamines or other supportive measures, but it is not an immediate threat to the client's well-being.
Choice C reason:
The client reporting weakness of the lower extremities (choice C) is an expected side effect of epidural analgesia. Epidurals can cause temporary paralysis or weakness in the lower body due to the local anesthetic's effects on the nerves. While it's essential to monitor and support the client during this time, it is not the priority over the potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Choice D reason:
A temperature of 38.2°C (100.8 F) (choice D) may indicate a fever, but it is not the nurse's priority in this specific situation of opioid epidural analgesia during labor. Fever during labor could have various causes, and the nurse should investigate and manage it appropriately. However, addressing the client's blood pressure takes precedence, as hypotension can have immediate and significant consequences.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Lochial color changes from rubra to alba in the early postpartum period is a normal event. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, and it progresses from bright red (rubra) to pink or brownish (serosa) to whitish-yellow (alba) as the days pass.
Choice B reason:
Extreme hunger and thirst in the early postpartum period may indicate abnormal blood sugar levels and can be a sign of gestational diabetes or other metabolic disorders. It requires further evaluation and monitoring by healthcare providers.
Choice C reason:
Diuresis (increased urination) and diaphoresis (increased sweating) are normal events in the early postpartum period. After childbirth, the body eliminates excess fluid that was retained during pregnancy, leading to increased urination and sweating.
Choice D reason:
Flatulence (passing gas) and constipation can be normal events in the early postpartum period due to the body recovering from the effects of labor, changes in diet, and the use of pain medications during childbirth.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Prolactin.
Choice A reason:
Estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a role in the development of the mammary glands and the ductal system during pregnancy. However, estrogen does not directly produce milk.
In fact, high levels of estrogen during pregnancy inhibit milk secretion by blocking prolactin. Therefore, estrogen is not the hormone necessary for milk production. • Choice B reason:
Prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for the production of breast milk. Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland in response to suckling or nipple stimulation. Prolactin levels rise during pregnancy and peak after delivery, when the sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone allows prolactin to take over and initiate lactation. Therefore, prolactin is the hormone necessary for milk production. • Choice C reason:
Progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that also contributes to the development of the mammary glands and the alveoli during pregnancy. However, like estrogen, progesterone does not directly produce milk. Progesterone also inhibits milk secretion by blocking prolactin during pregnancy. Therefore, progesterone is not the hormone necessary for milk production. •
Choice D reason:
Lactogen. Lactogen is not a hormone, but a general term for any substance that stimulates lactation. There are different types of lactogens, such as human placental lactogen (hPL), which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy and has some lactogenic effects on the mammary glands. However, hPL is not the main hormone responsible for milk production. That role belongs to prolactin. Therefore, lactogen is not the hormone necessary for milk production.
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