The most important nursing intervention for the patient who has ...

[CQXA]

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]

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.

[CQXA]

TYSM

[jackie]

Excellent