The nurse is preparing a woman who is in labor for a lumbar ...

[Sufayan.ah]

The nurse is preparing a woman who is in labor for a lumbar epidural and explains that she will receive a continuous infusion of epidural anesthesia. She asks what will happen if that isn't effective. What response by the nurse is correct?
 
  a. Increasing the amount of anesthesia will increase the risk of postdural headache.
  b. You should tell the provider, and you may receive rescue doses of anesthesia if needed.
  c. You will receive opioid analgesics if the epidural anesthesia is ineffective.
  d. The consistent level provided by the continuous anesthesia will be sufficient.

Question 2

The nurse examines a primipara woman who has received an epidural block. The woman's cervix has been dilated at 5 cm for an hour after having shown steady progression earlier. The nurse will notify the provider and anticipate a need for
 
  a. caesarean section.
  b. forceps delivery.
  c. intravenous oxytocin.
  d. vacuum extraction.

[Brenm]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Continuous epidural anesthesia provides a consistent drug level and more effective pain relief than with intermittent epidural anesthesia. Patients may have rescue doses as needed. Postdural headache occurs with accidental puncture of the dura with epidural anesthesia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Regional anesthetics may slow labor, and therefore the patient may need to be administered a drug to enhance uterine contractions. Intravenous oxytocin is given to stimulate contractions. If oxytocin is not effective, the other measures may be necessary.

[Sufayan.ah]

Excellent

[debra928]

TYSM