A patient with a history of asthma is about to receive an epidural block for pain management during labor. What should the nurse monitor for after the procedure?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory depression. After receiving an epidural block, the nurse should monitor for respiratory depression in a patient with a history of asthma due to the potential for decreased lung function. This is crucial as the medication from the block can affect respiratory drive, leading to compromised breathing. Tachycardia (choice B), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and hyperthermia (choice D) are not typically associated with epidural blocks and are not the primary concerns for a patient with asthma undergoing this procedure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a vaginal examination to assess for cord prolapse. This is the first priority action because cord prolapse is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent fetal compromise. By performing a vaginal examination, the healthcare provider can quickly determine if the umbilical cord is presenting before the fetus, allowing for prompt management. Choice B is incorrect because starting an IV and administering antibiotics is important but not the first priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring fetal heart rate for decelerations is essential but not as urgent as assessing for cord prolapse. Choice D is also incorrect as checking for meconium staining is important but does not take precedence over assessing for cord prolapse.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for cord prolapse. This is the first priority action because a prolapsed cord is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent fetal hypoxia and distress. The nurse should quickly assess for cord presentation by performing a vaginal exam and relieving pressure on the cord if present. Incorrect choices: A: Assess for signs of infection - While infection is a concern with ruptured membranes, it is not the immediate priority over checking for cord prolapse. C: Perform a vaginal exam to assess cervical dilation - Assessing cervical dilation can wait until after ruling out cord prolapse. D: Perform a vaginal examination to check for fetal descent - Fetal descent assessment is not urgent compared to checking for cord prolapse in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. In a patient with gestational hypertension, monitoring blood pressure is crucial to assess for worsening hypertension, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia. Elevated blood pressure can affect both maternal and fetal well-being. Assessing fetal heart rate (A) is important but not the most critical factor in this scenario. Uterine contractions (C) are important but secondary to monitoring blood pressure. Fetal malpresentation (D) can impact delivery but is not the most vital factor to assess in a patient with gestational hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Uterine rupture Rationale: 1. History of multiple cesarean sections increases the risk of uterine rupture. 2. Uterine rupture is a life-threatening complication for both mother and baby. 3. Signs include sudden severe abdominal pain, fetal distress, and hemodynamic instability. 4. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Summary: B: Precipitous labor - Quick labor is not specifically associated with multiple cesarean sections. C: Maternal hypotension - Important but not the most critical complication in this scenario. D: Fetal malpresentation - While important, it is not the most immediate concern compared to uterine rupture.