You are preparing a patient for epidural placement by a nurse anesthetist in the LDR. Which interventions should be included in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Administer a bolus of 500 to 1000 mL of D normal saline prior to catheter placement.
- B. Have ephedrine availableN aUt bR eSdsI idNeG duTrB in. g C caOthM eter placement.
- C. Monitor blood pressure of patient frequently during catheter insertion and for the first 15 minutes of epidural administration.
- D. Insert a Foley catheter prior to epidural catheter placement.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering a bolus of 500 to 1000 mL of D5 normal saline prior to catheter placement helps prevent hypotension, a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. This bolus helps maintain adequate fluid volume, which is crucial for hemodynamic stability during the procedure.
Choice B is incorrect because having ephedrine available is not a necessary intervention for preparing a patient for epidural placement.
Choice C is incorrect because while monitoring blood pressure is important during epidural administration, it should be done continuously rather than just for the first 15 minutes.
Choice D is incorrect because inserting a Foley catheter is not a routine intervention for epidural catheter placement and is not directly related to the procedure's success or safety.
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What is the term for a slow, deep inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth before a contraction for preparation and after a contraction for release of tension from the contraction?
- A. pursed-lip breathing
- B. panting
- C. chanting
- D. cleansing breath
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cleansing breath. This technique involves slow, deep inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth to release tension. Pursed-lip breathing (A) is used for managing shortness of breath. Panting (B) is rapid, shallow breathing. Chanting (C) involves rhythmic speaking or singing. Cleansing breath (D) fits the description best as it focuses on deep, intentional breathing for relaxation and release of tension before and after a contraction.
Following an external cephalic version, which assessment finding indicates a complication?
- A. Onset of irregular contractions
- B. Maternal blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
- C. Deceleration of FHR to 88 bpm
- D. Maternal pulse rate of 100 bpm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Deceleration of FHR to 88 bpm. This finding indicates fetal distress, a complication post external cephalic version. Deceleration of FHR suggests reduced oxygenation to the fetus. A: Onset of irregular contractions is a common post-procedure finding and not necessarily indicative of a complication. B: Maternal blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within normal range and not directly related to a complication. D: Maternal pulse rate of 100 bpm is slightly elevated but not a specific indicator of a complication post external cephalic version.
The method of anesthesia in labor that is considered the safest for the fetus is
- A. epidural block.
- B. pudendal block.
- C. local infiltration.
- D. spinal (subarachnoi
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: epidural block. Epidural anesthesia in labor is considered the safest for the fetus because it does not directly affect the baby's central nervous system. It provides effective pain relief for the mother while minimizing the risk of medication passing to the fetus. It also allows for adjustment of the dose as needed during labor.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Pudendal block is a regional anesthesia technique that primarily provides pain relief to the perineum and does not affect the fetus directly.
C: Local infiltration anesthesia is limited in its coverage and may not provide adequate pain relief during labor.
D: Spinal (subarachnoid) anesthesia may lead to a rapid and significant drop in blood pressure, affecting fetal oxygenation and require careful monitoring.
What nursing intervention can be performed prior to epidural placement to potentially reduce a blood pressure drop?
- A. routine use of ephedrine
- B. IV fluid bolus
- C. insertion of indwelling urinary catheter
- D. upright positioning of the laboring person
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: IV fluid bolus. Prior to epidural placement, administering an IV fluid bolus can help prevent a drop in blood pressure by increasing preload and maintaining cardiac output. This helps offset the vasodilation effects of the epidural anesthesia. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Ephedrine (A) is not routinely used before epidural placement due to its potential adverse effects. Insertion of a urinary catheter (C) is not directly related to preventing a blood pressure drop. Upright positioning (D) may actually worsen hypotension by pooling blood in the lower extremities.
Which of the following factors would affect pain perception or tolerance for the laboring patient?
- A. Right occiput posterior fetal position during labor
- B. Bishop score of 10 prior to the induction of labor
- C. Gynecoid pelvis
- D. Absence of Ferguson's reflex
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Right occiput posterior fetal position during labor. This position can lead to intense back pain and prolonged labor, affecting pain perception. A posterior position can put pressure on the sacrum and cause increased discomfort. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not directly impact pain perception during labor. Choice B, Bishop score of 10, indicates favorable conditions for labor progress but does not necessarily affect pain perception. Choice C, Gynecoid pelvis, refers to a common pelvis shape that may facilitate labor but does not directly influence pain tolerance. Choice D, Absence of Ferguson's reflex, is related to the ability to push effectively but is not directly linked to pain perception.