What is the most important assessment for the nurse to conduct following the administration of epidural anesthesia to a client who is at 40-weeks gestation?
Level of pain sensation.
Variability of fetal heart rate
Maternal blood pressure
Station of presenting part
The Correct Answer is C
Level of pain sensation:
This is important for assessing the effectiveness of the epidural anesthesia, but it's not the most critical assessment immediately after administration.
Variability of fetal heart rate:
Monitoring fetal heart rate is always important, but immediately following epidural administration, the maternal blood pressure is a more immediate concern.
Maternal blood pressure:
This is the most critical assessment after epidural administration. Epidurals can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may affect blood flow to the baby.
Station of presenting part:
The station of the presenting part (the position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines) is important for assessing progress in labor, but it's not the most crucial assessment immediately after epidural administration.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Sleep deprivation:
While sleep is important for overall well-being, it may not be the top priority in this case. Fluid volume excess, given the client's cardiac history, poses a more immediate threat to health.
B. Fluid volume excess:
Clients with heart damage are prone to heart failure, and managing fluid balance is crucial. Excess fluid can worsen cardiac function, making this the priority concern.
C. Nausea and vomiting:
While nausea and vomiting are significant concerns, they might not be as directly related to the client's cardiac history as fluid volume excess. However, if severe, it could contribute to fluid imbalance.
D. Risk for infection:
Infection is a concern for postpartum clients, but in this case, the client's history of rheumatic fever and heart damage takes precedence. The priority is to prevent complications related to heart failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place the newborn in a position with the head lower than the feet:
This position might be used in cases of choking or difficulty breathing, but it's not typically the first response to spitting up.
B. Turn the newborn to the side and bulb suction the mouth and nares:
Suctioning might be necessary if there's difficulty breathing or if there's an excessive amount of mucus. However, for typical spit-up, this might be an unnecessary intervention.
C. Wipe away the spit-up and assist the mother with the diaper change:
Addressing the immediate concern by cleaning up and assisting with the diaper change is a reasonable first step, but it doesn't directly address the spit-up.
D. Sit the newborn upright and burp by rubbing or patting the upper back:
This is a common and appropriate action after feeding to help release any trapped air and prevent or alleviate spit-up.
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