Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is caring for a client who is hypotensive following the administration of epidural anesthesia.Which action should the nurse take?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct action for the nurse to take is to turn the client to a side-lying position (Choice C). This is crucial for preventing aspiration in unconscious or postoperative clients. Side-lying position helps maintain airway patency and prevents the tongue from obstructing the airway. It also promotes optimal lung expansion and ventilation. Applying oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary but does not address the immediate risk of aspiration. Massaging the fundus (Choice B) is typically done postpartum to prevent hemorrhage. Assisting the client to empty their bladder (Choice D) is important for comfort but does not address the immediate risk of airway compromise.