A nurse is preparing a client who is in active labor for epidural analgesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Administer a 500 mL bolus of 5% dextrose in water prior to the epidural administration.

Inform the client that the anesthetic effect will last for approximately 6 hours.

Obtain a 30 min electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) strip and prepare to give a bolus of Lactated Ringers solution prior to the epidural administration.

Have the client stand very still at the bedside with her arms at her side.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A: Administering a 500 mL bolus of 5% dextrose in water is not necessary before the epidural administration, and it may not be recommended in active labor as it can increase the risk of fluid overload.

B: The duration of the anesthetic effect of the epidural can vary depending on the medication used, and it is not the nurse's priority during the preparation process.

C: Prior to administering epidural analgesia, the nurse should obtain a 30minute electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) strip to assess the fetal heart rate and monitor for any signs of fetal distress during the procedure.

D: Having the client stand very still with her arms at her side is not practical or necessary for epidural administration and could be uncomfortable for the client during labor.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Reposition the client with one hip elevated or on her left side: This is the correct first priority action. The client's vital signs indicate hypotension (low blood pressure), which may be caused by supine hypotensive syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure. Repositioning the client on her left side or elevating one hip can relieve the pressure on the vena cava and
improve blood flow to both the mother and the baby.

B) Notify the provider of the findings: While it is essential to inform the provider about the client's status, the first priority is to address the potential cause of hypotension and maternal discomfort.

C) Ask the client if she needs pain medication: Pain management is essential, but the client's vital signs and potential hypotensive condition take precedence as the first priority.
D) Have the client empty her bladder: Emptying the bladder can help reduce pressure on the vena cava and may improve blood flow, but it is not the first priority action in this situation. Repositioning the client is the initial priority to relieve supine hypotensive syndrome.

A. "Change the client's position to left lateral and observe for resolution of the decelerations." B. "Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a nonrebreather mask and observe for resolution of the decelerations." C. "Apply a fetal scalp electrode and observe for resolution of the decelerations." D. "Increase the rate of the IV infusion and observe for resolution of the decelerations."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and one of the first interventions is to improve uterine blood flow by changing the client's position. Placing the client in a left lateral position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby.

Choice B: Administering oxygen is a correct intervention for late decelerations, but it should follow the position change. Oxygen administration helps increase oxygen levels in the maternal blood, which can improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice C: Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, but it does not address the immediate concern of late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the priority.

Choice D: Increasing the rate of the IV infusion might not have an immediate effect on resolving late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the initial interventions.

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A nurse is preparing a client who is in active labor for epidural analgesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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