Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Full-length
A client with moderate pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a poor candidate for regional anesthesia during labor and delivery. If she were to receive this form of anesthesia, she might experience:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
In a client with PIH, uteroplacental perfusion may be inadequate and gas exchange may be poor. Regional anesthesia increases the risk of hypotension resulting from sympathetic blockade, possibly causing fetal and maternal hypoxia. Hypertension, seizures, and renal toxicity aren't associated with regional anesthesia.