Maternity HESI Test Bank Related

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Examination reveals that the laboring client's cervix is dilated to 2 centimeters, 70% effaced with the presenting part at -2 station. The client tells the nurse, 'I need my epidural now, this hurts.' The nurse's response to the client is based on which information?

  • A. The client will need to be catheterized before the epidural can be administered.
  • B. Administering an epidural at this point would slow down the labor process.
  • C. The client should be dilated to at least 8 centimeters before receiving an epidural.
  • D. The baby needs to be at a zero station before an epidural can be administered.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Administering an epidural too early in labor, especially at 2 cm dilation, can slow down the progress of labor. It is usually recommended to wait until labor is more established. Choice A is incorrect because catheterization is not a prerequisite for epidural administration. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until 8 cm dilation is not a standard requirement for epidural administration. Choice D is incorrect because the baby's station being at zero is not a strict criterion for epidural administration.