Two hours after an epidural infusion has begun, a client ...

[nmorano1]

Two hours after an epidural infusion has begun, a client complains of itching on her face and neck. What should the nurse do?
 
  1. Remove the epidural catheter and apply a Band-Aid to the injection site.
  2. Offer the client a cool cloth and let her know the itching is temporary.
  3. Recognize that this is a common side effect, and follow protocol for administration of Benadryl.
  4. Call the anesthesia care provider to re-dose the epidural catheter.

Question 2

The nurse is working with a patient from Southeast Asia. The patient tells the nurse that she should not put the baby to breast until her milk comes in and her breasts are warm, because cold milk (colostrum) is bad for the baby.
 
  After the nurse explains the benefits of colostrum, the patient still insists that cold milk is bad. Which response by the nurse is best? 1. What kind of formula would you like to use?
  2. That idea is folklore. Colostrum is good for the baby.
  3. Now that you are here, you need to feed your baby the right way.
  4. Let's give the baby formula after you breastfeed.

[jamesnevil303]

Answer to Question 1

3
Explanation: 3. Itching is a side effect of the medication used for an epidural infusion. Benadryl, an antihistamine, can be administered to manage pruritus.

Answer to Question 2

4
Rationale 1: This statement does not facilitate breastfeeding, and does not support the education provided to the patient that colostrum is beneficial.
Rationale 2: Although colostrum is indeed good for newborns, this response is disrespectful.
Rationale 3: This answer is disrespectful and therefore not therapeutic.
Rationale 4: This response attempts to provide a compromise between acknowledging the patient's desire to give formula and getting the baby to breast to get colostrum.