The nurse is preparing a client who is prescribed continuous epidural analgesia. Which of the following pre-procedure prescriptions should the nurse be prepared to administer?
The nurse is preparing a client who is prescribed continuous epidural analgesia. Which of the following pre-procedure prescriptions should the nurse be prepared to administer?
A. lactated ringers
[53%]
B. ondansetron
[33%]
C. ketorolac
[11%]
D. haloperidol
[2%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Labor/Delivery
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice A is correct. Epidural analgesia has a common adverse reaction of hypotension. It is routine for clients being prepared for epidural analgesia to receive a liter of isotonic fluids to preempt this adverse reaction. Lactated ringers' is an isotonic solution.
Choice B is incorrect. While epidural analgesia may cause nausea and vomiting, it is not routine to administer pre-procedure antiemetics such as ondansetron.
Choice C is incorrect. Ketorolac is an anti-inflammatory that is indicated for mild to moderate pain. This is not administered before an epidural is placed.
Choice D is incorrect. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication and has no relevance in the treatment of an epidural. This medication is approved to treat schizophrenia.
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2 Key Topics
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Additional Info
✓ For lumbar epidural analgesia, the common site selected is between L3 and L4.
✓ This procedure requires informed consent.
✓ Prior to the initiation of an epidural, the physician orders isotonic fluids to prevent maternal hypotension.
✓ Essential monitoring parameters include the area for signs of infection, blood pressure (may cause hypotension), and urinary output (may cause urinary retention).
✓ The nurse should inform the client that they are at risk for falling because of the reduced distal sensation.
