With regard to spinal and epidural (block) anesthesia, nurses ...

[ts19998]

With regard to spinal and epidural (block) anesthesia, nurses should know that:
 
  a. This type of anesthesia is commonly used for cesarean births but is not suitable for vaginal births.
  b. A high incidence of after-birth headache is seen with spinal blocks.
  c. Epidural blocks allow the woman to move freely.
  d. Spinal and epidural blocks are never used together.

Question 2

With regard to systemic analgesics administered during labor, nurses should be aware that:
 
  a. Systemic analgesics cross the maternal blood-brain barrier as easily as they do the fetal blood-brain barrier.
  b. Effects on the fetus and newborn can include decreased alertness and delayed sucking.
  c. Intramuscular administration (IM) is preferred over intravenous (IV) administration.
  d. IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) results in increased use of an analgesic.

[yuyiding]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Headaches may be prevented or mitigated to some degree by a number of methods. Spinal blocks may be used for vaginal births, but the woman must be assisted through labor. Epidural blocks limit the woman's ability to move freely. Combined use of spinal and epidural blocks is becoming increasingly popular.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Effects depend on the specific drug given, the dosage, and the timing. Systemic analgesics cross the fetal blood-brain barrier more readily than the maternal blood-brain barrier. IV administration is preferred over IM administration because the drug acts faster and more predictably. PCA results in decreased use of an analgesic.

[ts19998]

Thank you

[yuyiding]

No problemo