A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor and just received an epidural. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as an adverse effect?

Rationale: A. Tachypnea: An increased respiratory rate is not commonly associated with epidural anesthesia and is not a typical adverse effect. It may result from anxiety or pain but does not directly indicate a problem with the epidural. B. Hyperreflexia: Epidurals often reduce sensation and reflexes, not heighten them. Hyperreflexia is not expected and would not be a direct adverse effect of epidural administration during labor. C. Hypothermia: While mild temperature changes may occur, hypothermia is not a common or significant adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. It is not typically monitored as a key complication. D. Hypotension: Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation by blocking sympathetic nerve fibers, leading to a drop in maternal blood pressure. This is a well-known and common adverse effect requiring close monitoring and potential intervention.