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 planning care for a client who is in labor and is requesting epidural anesthesia for pain control. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

  • A. Place the client in a supine position for 30 min following the first dose of anesthetic solution.
  • B. Administer 1000 mL of dextrose 5% in water prior to the first dose of anesthetic solution
  • C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure every 5 min following the first dose of anesthetic solution.
  • D. Ensure the client has been NPO 4 hr prior to the placement of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's blood pressure every 5 min following the first dose of anesthetic solution. This is crucial because epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension, a common side effect. Monitoring the client's blood pressure closely allows for early detection of hypotension and prompt intervention to prevent potential complications like fetal distress. Placing the client in a supine position for 30 min (A) is incorrect as it can lead to hypotension; administering dextrose solution (B) is not necessary for epidural anesthesia; ensuring NPO status (D) is important for other procedures but not specifically for epidural anesthesia.