A nurse is caring for a primigravida whose cervix is 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the fetal presenting part is at +2 station.
The patient says to the nurse, “I want an epidural now.Why won’t someone give me an epidural?” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?
“Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.”.
“You need to be at least eight centimeters dilated prior to receiving an epidural.”.
“You will need to be catheterized prior to receiving an epidural.”.
“Your baby needs to be at zero station before you can have an epidural.”.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. “Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.” An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a specific area of the body.
It can be used to reduce pain during labor and delivery.
However, an epidural can also have some side effects, such as lowering blood pressure, causing fever, and slowing down labor progress.
Therefore, it is usually recommended to wait until the cervix is at least 4 to 5 cm dilated and the contractions are strong and regular before receiving an epidural.
Choice B is wrong because there is no fixed rule about how dilated the cervix needs to be before receiving an epidural.
Some women may receive an epidural earlier or later than others, depending on their pain level, medical history, and preferences.
Choice C is wrong because catheterization is not a prerequisite for receiving an epidural.
Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the bladder to drain urine.
It may be done after receiving an epidural because the anesthesia can affect the ability to urinate.
However, it is not required before receiving an epidural.
Choice D is wrong because the station of the baby does not determine when a woman can have an epidural.
The station of the baby refers to how far the baby has descended into the pelvis.
It is measured in relation to the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the pelvis.
A positive station means that the baby is below the spines, while a negative station means that the baby is above the spines.
Zero station means that the baby is at the level of the spines.
The station of the baby does not affect the administration of an epidural, as long as there are no other complications or contraindications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: “The discharge that you are describing is normal at this time.” This is because the client is experiencing lochia serosa, which is a brownish discharge that occurs from about day 4 to day 10 postpartum.
Lochia serosa is composed of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris.
It indicates that the placental site is healing and the uterus is involuting.
Choice B is wrong because fever is a sign of infection, not normal lochia.
Choice C is wrong because ovulation usually does not resume until 6 weeks postpartum for nonbreastfeeding women and later for breastfeeding women.
Choice D is wrong because iron supplements do not affect lochia color or amount.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. The woman’s temperature will increase when she is ovulating.This is because ovulation is triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which also causes a slight rise in basal body temperature (BBT).By measuring her BBT every morning before getting out of bed, the woman can detect this subtle change and identify her fertile window.
Choice A is wrong because ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next menstrual period, not seven days after the previous one.
The length of the menstrual cycle can vary from woman to woman, so counting days is not a reliable method of predicting ovulation.
Choice B is wrong because cervical mucus will appear clear, slippery and stretchy when the woman is ovulating, not tacky and cloudy.
This type of mucus helps sperm swim and survive in the reproductive tract.
The woman can check her cervical mucus by wiping with toilet paper or inserting a finger into her vagina.
Choice D is wrong because abdominal massage of the ovaries will not stimulate ovulation, and may even cause harm by injuring the delicate tissues or introducing infection.
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