Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an epidural anesthesia block. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg and the fetal heart rate is 140/min.A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an epidural anesthesia block. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg and the fetal heart rate is 140/min. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Placing the client in a lateral position is the priority action. This helps relieve the pressure of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava, improving venous return, cardiac output, and blood pressure, thereby enhancing placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation.