RN Maternal Nursing OB Newborn 2023 2024 Exam Related

Review RN Maternal Nursing OB Newborn 2023 2024 Exam 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 helps to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help increase blood pressure in a hypotensive client. Placing the client on their side also helps prevent potential complications such as supine hypotension syndrome.
Choice B is incorrect because administering oxygen may not directly address the underlying cause of hypotension in this situation.
Choice C is incorrect as massaging the fundus is typically done to assess postpartum bleeding in women who have recently given birth, not for hypotension following epidural anesthesia.
Choice D is incorrect because while emptying the bladder can help in some cases of hypotension, it may not be the most immediate or appropriate action in this scenario.