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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. It will be necessary for a Cesarean section when labor begins.This is because a pregnant person with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type II can pass the infection to the baby during childbirth, which can be life-threatening.A Cesarean section can lower the risk of infection by avoiding contact with the virus in the genital area.
Choice A is wrong because herpes can recur after delivery, especially if the person has a history of genital herpes before pregnancy.Choice B is wrong because weekly cultures of the herpes site are not recommended during pregnancy, as they are not reliable indicators of viral shedding or risk of transmission.Choice C is wrong because it is possible to have more than one herpes outbreak during pregnancy, especially if the person has a primary or nonprimary first-episode infection in the third trimester.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. “Have you noticed any tenderness in your breasts?”
Breast tenderness is one of the early signs of pregnancy that may occur as early as one to two weeks after conception.It is caused by hormonal changes that prepare the breasts for lactation.
Choice A is wrong because shortness of breath is not a sign of early pregnancy.It may occur later in pregnancy due to the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm.
Choice B is wrong because episodes of loss of consciousness are not a sign of early pregnancy.They may indicate a serious condition such as anemia, dehydration, or hypoglycemia that requires medical attention.
Choice C is wrong because spotting is not a sign of early pregnancy.
It may be a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.However, implantation bleeding is usually much lighter and shorter than a normal period.
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