Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A 31-year-old multigravid client at 39 weeks' gestation admitted to the hospital in active labor is receiving intravenous lactated Ringer's solution and a continuous epidural anesthetic. During the first hour after administration of the anesthetic, the nurse should monitor the client for:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Epidural anesthesia can cause sympathetic blockade, leading to hypotension, especially within the first hour. Monitoring blood pressure is critical. Diaphoresis, headache, or tremors are less common or less urgent.