A nurse is monitoring a patient in labor who has received epidural anesthesia for pain management. What should the nurse recognize as a potential complication from the epidural block?
Vomiting
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Respiratory depression.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Vomiting is not a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. Nausea can occur, but it is usually associated with the opioids used in the epidural, not the epidural itself.
Choice B rationale
Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is not a typical side effect of epidural anesthesia. In fact, an epidural can sometimes cause a drop in heart rate, known as bradycardia.
Choice C rationale
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The medication used in the epidural can cause blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory depression is not a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The medication used in an epidural primarily affects the nerves in the lower body, so it does not typically impact breathing. Digoxin Digoxin Explore
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vomiting is not a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. Nausea can occur, but it is usually associated with the opioids used in the epidural, not the epidural itself.
Choice B rationale
Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is not a typical side effect of epidural anesthesia. In fact, an epidural can sometimes cause a drop in heart rate, known as bradycardia.
Choice C rationale
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The medication used in the epidural can cause blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory depression is not a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The medication used in an epidural primarily affects the nerves in the lower body, so it does not typically impact breathing. Digoxin Digoxin Explore
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cervical dilation is a key sign that labor has begun. During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. This is a physical change that can be measured during a pelvic exam.
Choice B rationale
Pain above the umbilicus is not typically a sign of labor. During labor, contractions are usually felt as a tightening or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
Choice C rationale
Brownish vaginal discharge can occur during pregnancy and is not necessarily a sign of labor. If the discharge is heavy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or cramping, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault, also known as “water breaking,” can be a sign that labor is imminent. However, it does not confirm that labor has begun, as it can occur before the onset of contractions and cervical dilation.
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