The nurse is caring for a client in labor who just received epidural analgesia. The nurse should monitor the client for which adverse effects?
The nurse is caring for a client in labor who just received epidural analgesia. The nurse should monitor the client for which adverse effects?
A. Hypertension
[21%]
B. Bladder distention
[42%]
C. Hypothermia
[20%]
D. Precipitous labor
[17%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Labor/Delivery
Client Need
Test Plan
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Related Topic
Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Epidural analgesia may cause bladder distention. Bladder distention may cause pain that remains after initiation of the block and may interfere with fetal descent in labor.
Choice A is incorrect. Epidural analgesia is known to cause hypotension; thus, it is routine for a client to receive a preprocedural fluid bolus of isotonic lactated ringers.
Choice C is incorrect. Hypothermia is unlikely with epidural placement. The fever associated with epidural analgesia is usually not caused by infection but may result from reduced hyperventilation and decreased heat dissipation.
Choice D is incorrect. Epidural analgesia commonly slows the progression of the second stage of labor because it relaxes pelvic muscles.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Pain Control in Labor
30.3 Labor Management & Pain Control
Additional Info
✓ The epidural space is entered at the L3-L4 interspace (below the end of the spinal cord), and a catheter is passed through the needle into the epidural space.
✓ The catheter allows continuous infusion or intermittent injection of medication to maintain pain relief during labor and vaginal or cesarean birth.
✓ The infusion of epidural medication also may be regulated by a client-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) pump
✓ Regularly assess the client's pain level to evaluate the effectiveness of the epidural analgesia and to adjust the medication dosage if necessary.
✓ Monitor the client's fluid intake and output to ensure proper hydration and avoid any potential hypotension related to the epidural.
✓ Ensure proper removal of the epidural catheter when no longer needed, following established protocols and safety guidelines.
