A nurse is reinforcing teaching about epidural PCA with a client who is in active labor. Which of the following
statements should the nurse include?
The machine is programmed to prevent you from administering more than a safe dose
During medication administration, you will not be able to move your legs freely
This method of pain control will shorten the second stage of labor
This type of anesthesia commonly causes a postpartum headache
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The statement by the parent that they can place a rolled towel on each side of their newborn's head until he can hold his head up indicates an understanding of the teaching. This is a safe and appropriate way to provide support for the newborn's head while in a car seat.
a) Securing the seatbelt across the newborn's lap is not safe. The seatbelt should be positioned across the newborn's chest and over their hips.
b) Moving a child to a booster seat when they weigh 20 pounds is not safe. Children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer.
c) Turning the car seat forward-facing when the child is 10 months old is not safe. Children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The subjective indication that the client needs PRN (as needed) pain medication is when the client reports pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to address the client's self-reported pain level and provide appropriate pain management.
Explanation for the other options:
a) The client's heart rate is 110/min: An increased heart rate can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
b) The client is guarding their abdominal incision: Guarding the abdominal incision may suggest discomfort or pain, but it is an objective indication that can be observed by the nurse. Subjective indications focus on the client's self-report.
c) The client exhibits facial grimacing: Facial grimacing can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Again, subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
In this scenario, the most reliable and appropriate indication for administering PRN pain medication is when the client reports pain, as this acknowledges the client's own perception of their pain level.
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