A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving epidural anesthesia. Which of the following findings indicates an adverse effect of this method of pain management?
Tachycardia
Fever
Tachypnea
Hypertension
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Tachycardia is not a common or direct adverse effect of epidural anesthesia itself. While a rapid heart rate may occur secondary to maternal anxiety or as a compensatory response to hypotension, it is not the primary physiological marker for epidural complications. Heart rate typically remains stable or may decrease slightly as pain is relieved and sympathetic activity is modulated.
B. Fever is a documented potential adverse effect associated with epidural anesthesia, particularly during labor. The exact mechanism is multifactorial, potentially involving altered thermoregulation, reduced heat dissipation due to sympathetic blockade, or a non-infectious inflammatory response. Clinicians must distinguish this pharmacological pyrexia from maternal infection to ensure appropriate neonatal and maternal management following the delivery.
C. Tachypnea, or an increased respiratory rate, is generally not associated with epidural anesthesia. In fact, if the anesthesia level rises too high, it can lead to respiratory depression or a decreased rate due to the blockade of intercostal muscle nerves. Effective epidural analgesia usually promotes a more relaxed, normal breathing pattern by successfully alleviating the physiological stress and hyperventilation caused by acute pain.
D. Hypertension is the opposite of the expected vascular response to epidural anesthesia. The local anesthetic typically causes a sympathetic blockade, leading to peripheral vasodilation and a significant risk of maternal hypotension rather than high blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is a critical nursing priority because decreased systemic vascular resistance can compromise placental perfusion and lead to fetal heart rate decelerations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Cleansing the perineum with povidone-iodine is not relevant to the collection process.
B) Incorrect- The 24-hour collection should start with the first-morning urination, not with any random urination.
C) Correct - Recording the time on the collection container for any missed urine specimens is important for accurate measurement.
D) Incorrect- Stool should not be added to the urine collection container, but this is not the most important point to emphasize in this teaching.
Correct Answer is ["4"]
Explanation
To calculate the number of tablets needed:
Total dose (2 g) ÷ Dose per tablet (500 mg) = Number of tablets 2,000 mg ÷ 500 mg = 4 tablets
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