A woman in labor has just received an epidural black. The most important nursing intervention is to:
Monitor the maternal pulse for possible bradycardia
Monitor the maternal blood pressure for possible hypotension.
Monitor the fetus for possible tachycardia.
Limit parenteral fluids
The Correct Answer is B
Epidural blocks are commonly used during labor to provide pain relief. However, they can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, known as epidural-induced hypotension, which can affect fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate. Therefore, it is important to monitor maternal blood pressure frequently after an epidural block is administered.
While monitoring the maternal pulse is also important, hypotension is the most common complication of epidural anesthesia and can lead to decreased blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, monitoring maternal blood pressure is the priority.
Monitoring the fetus is also important, but it is not the most important intervention after an epidural block. Limiting parenteral fluids may be necessary in some cases to help prevent or treat hypotension, but it is not always necessary and should be done based on the individual situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Caput succedaneum is a common condition in newborns that causes swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp. It is usually caused by pressure on the baby's head during delivery and can be seen in both vaginal and instrumental births, such as vacuum-assisted deliveries. It generally crosses the suture lines, unlike a cephalohematoma.
Caput succedaneum is not a serious condition and generally resolves on its own within a few days without any treatment. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the newborn for signs of jaundice, which can occur due to the breakdown of red blood cells in the swelling.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The Finnegan score is a tool used to assess and monitor newborns for withdrawal symptoms related to maternal substance use during pregnancy.
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