ATI RN Maternal Newborn 2023/24 1st Attempt & Retake Related

Review ATI RN Maternal Newborn 2023/24 1st Attempt & Retake related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is hypotensive following the administration of epidural anesthesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Turn the client to a side-lying position.
  • B. Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
  • C. Massage the client’s fundus.
  • D. Assist the client to empty their bladder.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Turn the client to a side-lying position. This action helps prevent aortocaval compression, a potential cause of hypotension after epidural anesthesia. When the client is lying on their back, the weight of the uterus can compress the vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output, leading to hypotension. Turning the client to a side-lying position relieves this compression, improving blood flow and helping to stabilize blood pressure.

Summary:
B: Applying oxygen may be beneficial in some cases, but it does not directly address the underlying cause of hypotension in this scenario.
C: Massaging the fundus is not indicated for hypotension following epidural anesthesia.
D: Assisting the client to empty their bladder may be important for overall comfort and prevention of complications, but it does not address the hypotension directly.