A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client following a vaginal examination by the provider which is documented as -1. Which of the following interpretations of this finding should the nurse make?

The correct answer is B. Position the client with one hip elevated.

A. Having the client void is a good practice, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's vital signs suggest a potential issue with uteroplacental perfusion, and repositioning the client should be the priority.

B. Positioning the client with one hip elevated is the priority action.

The vital signs, specifically the low blood pressure, may be indicative of aortocaval compression (supine hypotension). Elevating one hip helps alleviate this compression, improving blood flow and potentially addressing the decreased blood pressure.

C. Asking the client if she needs pain medication is important, but repositioning the client takes precedence due to the potential issue with blood pressure and uteroplacental perfusion.

D. Notifying the provider is important, but repositioning the client to improve blood flow should be done first. The provider may be notified afterward based on the client's response and ongoing assessment.

The correct answer is C. Hypotension.

A. Respiratory depression is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. It is more associated with opioid analgesics or excessive administration of other anesthetics.

B. Tachycardia is generally not associated with epidural anesthesia. It is more commonly observed in response to pain or anxiety.

C. Hypotension is a common complication of epidural anesthesia.

Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. This is particularly common when the block is administered rapidly or with a higher dose.

D. Vomiting is not a direct complication of epidural anesthesia. Nausea and vomiting are more commonly associated with opioid analgesics or general anesthesia.