Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an epidural block with an opioid analgesic. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Correct Answer: C (Hypotension)
Rationale: Opioid analgesics can cause vasodilation leading to hypotension. The epidural route can potentiate this effect due to direct spinal cord vasodilation. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes such as decreased perfusion.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Hyperglycemia - Opioid analgesics typically do not cause hyperglycemia.
B: Bilateral crackles - Crackles are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, not a typical adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
D: Polyuria - Opioid analgesics do not commonly cause increased urine output.
Rationale: Opioid analgesics can cause vasodilation leading to hypotension. The epidural route can potentiate this effect due to direct spinal cord vasodilation. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes such as decreased perfusion.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Hyperglycemia - Opioid analgesics typically do not cause hyperglycemia.
B: Bilateral crackles - Crackles are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, not a typical adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
D: Polyuria - Opioid analgesics do not commonly cause increased urine output.