A nurse is preparing a client who has a small bowel obstruction for insertion of a nasogastric tube. Which of the following equipment should the nurse gather prior to the procedure?

a. "The machine is programmed to prevent you from administering more than a safe dose."

When reinforcing teaching about epidural PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) with a client in active labor, it is important for the nurse to inform the client about the safety features of the machine. By explaining that the machine is programmed to prevent the client from administering more than a safe dose, the nurse reassures the client that they have control over their pain relief while minimizing the risk of overdose.

Option b, "During medication administration, you will not be able to move your legs freely," is not an accurate statement regarding epidural PCA. While epidural analgesia may cause temporary weakness or loss of sensation in the lower body, the ability to move the legs freely is not necessarily completely impaired. The degree of mobility can vary depending on the dosage and specific characteristics of the epidural.

Option c, "This method of pain control will shorten the second stage of labor," is not a valid statement. Epidural PCA is primarily used for pain relief during labor and delivery but does not directly affect the progression or duration of the second stage of labor, which involves pushing and the delivery of the baby.

Option d, "This type of anesthesia commonly causes a postpartum headache," is also incorrect. While headaches can occur as a potential side effect of epidural anesthesia, they are not specifically associated with epidural PCA. Postpartum headaches can have various causes and are not exclusively related to the use of epidural PCA.

By emphasizing the safety features of the machine and explaining that it prevents the administration of excessive doses, the nurse ensures that the client understands the appropriate use of the epidural PCA for pain control during labor.

d. Pinpoint pupils.

Explanation:

Opioid intoxication is characterized by various signs and symptoms, including central nervous system depression. One common manifestation of opioid intoxication is pinpoint pupils (miosis), which is caused by the effect of opioids on the pupillary constrictor muscles. The pupils become constricted and appear as small dots, hence the term "pinpoint."

The other options are not typical manifestations of opioid intoxication. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is more commonly associated with stimulant use rather than opioids. Mental alertness is typically reduced in cases of opioid intoxication, as opioids cause sedation and CNS depression. Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes) is not a typical finding in opioid intoxication; instead, it may occur in withdrawal from certain substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.