The spouse of a pregnant patient is concerned about the risk of ...

[amal]

The spouse of a pregnant patient is concerned about the risk of paralysis from an epidural block being used during labor. What should the nurse respond to the spouse's concern?
 
  A) I have never read or heard of this happening..
  B) The injection is given in the space outside the spinal cord..
  C) An injury is unlikely because of expert professional care given..
  D) The injection is given at the third or fourth thoracic vertebrae so paralysis is not a problem..

Question 2

The nurse caring for pregnant patients is identifying interventions to support the 2020 National Health Goals regarding pain relief during labor. Which interventions support these goals? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A) Encourage pregnant patients to prepare for childbirth by attending classes.
  B) Discuss the advantages of using epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor.
  C) Review the various opioid analgesics that can be used to control the pain of labor.
  D) Review the different breathing techniques that help with pain control during labor.
  E) Explain the various complementary and alternative therapies to help with pain control.

[ky860224]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
An anesthetic agent placed inside the ligamentum flavum in the epidural space is epidural anesthesia. An epidural is placed in the space at the L4L5, L3L4, or L2L3 areas to block the spinal nerve roots in the space and the sympathetic nerve fibers that travel with them. The nurse should not minimize the spouse's concern because the nurse has never read or heard of this occurring. An injury can occur with any invasive procedure.

Answer to Question 2

A, D, E
Feedback:
Nurses can help the nation achieve the 2020 National Health Goals regarding pain relief during labor by educating women about the advantages of preparing for childbirth and helping them to use breathing patterns or other complementary and alternative therapies and techniques during labor so they need a minimum of analgesia and anesthesia. These goals would not be achieved by discussing the use of epidural or spinal anesthesia or by reviewing the various opioid analgesics available for use during labor.