Promoting Client Comfort During Labor and Delivery Related

Review Promoting Client Comfort During Labor and Delivery related questions and content

A labor patient, gravida 2, para 1, at term has received meperidine (Demerol) for pain control during labor. Her most recent dose was 15 minutes ago and birth is now imminent. Maternal vital signs have been stable and the EFM tracing has not shown any baseline changes. Which medication does the nurse anticipate would be required in the birth room for administration?

  • A. Oxytocin (Pitocin)
  • B. Naloxone (Narcan)
  • C. Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
  • D. Oxygen
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Naloxone (Narcan). Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can cross the placenta and potentially cause respiratory depression in the newborn if given close to delivery. Naloxone is a specific opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioids like meperidine quickly and effectively. Administering naloxone in this scenario can help prevent or reverse neonatal respiratory depression.

Choice A: Oxytocin (Pitocin) is not required in this scenario as it is used to induce or augment labor, not to counter the effects of meperidine.

Choice C: Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is a medication used to suppress lactation and is not indicated in this situation.

Choice D: Oxygen may be needed during delivery for maternal or fetal distress, but it is not the specific medication needed to counter the effects of meperidine in the newborn.