A nurse is planning care for a client who is in labor and is requesting epidural anesthesia for pain control. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Place the client in a supine position for 30 min following the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Administer 1.000 mL of dextrose 5% in water prior to the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Monitor the client's blood pressure every minute following the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Ensure the client has been NPO 4 hr prior to the treatment of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Placing the client in a supine position for 30 minutes following the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a standard recommendation. The positioning during epidural placement is typically a seated or side-lying position.
Choice B Reason:
Administering 1,000 mL of dextrose 5% in water prior to the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a standard practice for epidural anesthesi
A. Fluids may be administered, but the type and volume depend on the patient's individual needs and the healthcare provider's orders.
Choice C Reason:
Monitoring the client's blood pressure every minute following the first dose of anesthetic solution is appropriate. Epidural anesthesia can potentially cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which is a common side effect. Therefore, close monitoring of the client's blood pressure is crucial, especially following the administration of the initial dose of the anesthetic solution. The goal is to promptly detect and manage any decrease in blood pressure to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Choice D Reason:
Ensuring the client has been NPO (nothing by mouth) for 4 hours prior to the placement of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a specific requirement for epidural anesthesi
A. NPO status is more relevant to surgical procedures involving general anesthesia and is not typically a strict requirement for epidural placement.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Fetal engagement
A. Fetal position, fetal lie, and fetal attitude are important aspects of the fetal presentation but are not specific considerations when performing an amniotomy.
B. Fetal lie is the relationship between the long axis of the fetus and the long axis of the mother. It is not directly relevant to the consideration of amniotomy.
C. Fetal attitude refers to the relationship of the fetal body parts to each other. It is not a specific consideration for amniotomy.
D. Fetal engagement is the correct consideration prior to amniotomy.
Fetal engagement refers to the descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis. Before performing an amniotomy, it is important to confirm that the fetal head is engaged in the pelvis, ensuring a lower risk of cord prolapse.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Variable decelerations.
A. Accelerations in the fetal heart rate are generally considered reassuring. Accelerations are an indication of fetal well-being and are often seen in response to fetal movement.
B. Early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions and are considered a normal response to the pressure on the fetal head.
C. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency.
Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction and are associated with inadequate oxygenation to the fetus. This pattern raises concerns about the baby's well-being.
D. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate that vary in duration, depth, and timing. They often coincide with contractions and suggest compression or occlusion of the umbilical cord.
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