A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and is scheduled to receive epidural anesthesia.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleMonitoring blood pressure every 30 minutes following epidural placement is important but not the initial action. Epidural anesthesia can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, so frequent monitoring is crucial. However, the initial step should focus on preventing hypotension.Choice B rationaleAdministering lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus via intermittent IV infusion prior to epidural placement helps in maintaining blood pressure. Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation, leading to hypotension. Preloading with fluids ensures adequate blood volume and reduces the risk of a significant drop in blood pressure.Choice C rationaleAdministering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min prior to epidural placement is not necessary unless the client has respiratory complications. Oxygen supplementation is used to treat or prevent hypoxia, which is not a primary concern in this scenario.Choice D rationaleRepositioning the client every hour following epidural placement is important to ensure even distribution of the anesthetic and prevent pressure sores. However, this is not the initial action to take for preventing hypotension.