Author Question: The most important nursing intervention for the patient who has received an epidural narcotic is ... (Read 33 times)

CQXA · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

The most important nursing intervention for the patient who has received an epidural narcotic is

a. Monitoring respiratory rate hourly
b. Administering analgesics as needed
c. Monitoring blood pressure every 4 hours
d. Assessing the level of anesthesia

Question 2

To improve placental blood flow immediately after the injection of an epidural anesthetic, the nurse should

a. Turn the woman to the right side.
b. Place a wedge under the woman's right hip.
c. Give the woman oxygen.
d. Decrease the intravenous infusion rate.

jomama · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback
A The possibility of respiratory depression exists for up to 24 hours after
administration of an epidural narcotic.
B Epidural narcotic should be enough pain relief that further medication is not
necessary. Administering any other narcotic may cause an overdose.
C The patient's blood pressure needs to be monitored. However, that is not the
major concern with this medication.
D The epidural narcotic should provide pain relief, but not anesthesia.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback
A The woman needs to maintain the supine position for proper dispersal of the
medication. However, placing a wedge under the hip will relieve compression of
the vena cava.
B Tilting the woman's pelvis to the left side relieves compression of the vena cava
and compensates for a lower blood pressure without interfering with dispersal of
the epidural medication.
C Oxygen administration will not improve placental blood flow.
D The intravenous infusion rate needs to be increased to prevent hypotension.