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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.Choice C is wrong because having more than three full-term pregnancies does not affect the suitability of using a copper IUD as a birth control method.Copper IUDs are long-term, reversible contraceptives that can be used by premenopausal women of all ages, including those who have never been pregnant or who have had multiple pregnancies.
Choice A is correct because a copper IUD can be inserted anytime during a normal menstrual cycle, or up to eight weeks after childbirth.
Choice B is correct because a copper IUD may cause heavier and longer periods, as well as more cramping.
Choice D is correct because a copper IUD works by creating an inflammatory response in the uterus that prevents sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it, and also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Rest on your side as much as possible.This is because resting on the side can improve blood flow to the placenta and lower blood pressure.It can also reduce the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome, which occurs when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and reduces venous return.
Choice A is wrong because spicy foods have no effect on blood pressure or pregnancy outcomes.Choice B is wrong because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and increase blood viscosity, which can worsen hypertension.Choice C is wrong because urinating frequently does not lower blood pressure or prevent complications of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy.It can lead to serious problems for both the mother and the baby, such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth.
Women with PIH should follow their doctor’s advice on medication, diet, exercise, and monitoring.They should also report any symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as severe headache, blurred vision, abdominal pain, or swelling.
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