The nurse is monitoring the person's vital signs after the epidural is placed and notices a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. What nursing intervention can be performed prior to the epidural placement to potentially reduce this side effect?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - IV fluid bolus Rationale: 1. IV fluid bolus can help increase blood volume and improve blood pressure. 2. Adequate hydration is crucial before epidural placement to prevent hypotension. 3. Other choices are not directly related to improving blood pressure in this scenario. Summary: - A: Routine use of ephedrine is not recommended as a routine prophylactic measure. - C: Insertion of indwelling urinary catheter is important for monitoring urine output but not for improving blood pressure. - D: Upright positioning may help prevent hypotension after epidural, but it's not a pre-epidural intervention to address low blood pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: IV fluid bolus. Prior to epidural placement, administering an IV fluid bolus can help prevent a drop in blood pressure by increasing preload and maintaining cardiac output. This helps offset the vasodilation effects of the epidural anesthesia. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Ephedrine (A) is not routinely used before epidural placement due to its potential adverse effects. Insertion of a urinary catheter (C) is not directly related to preventing a blood pressure drop. Upright positioning (D) may actually worsen hypotension by pooling blood in the lower extremities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left occiput posterior. In this position, the baby's occiput is towards the mother's back, leading to increased back discomfort during labor. The baby's position can put pressure on the mother's sacrum and lower back, causing more pain. Choices A, C, and D do not involve the baby's occiput being posterior, so they would not result in the same level of back discomfort.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Latent phase. This stage is ideal for teaching nonpharmacologic pain control methods as the patient is usually more receptive, relaxed, and able to focus. During the latent phase, contractions are typically mild and irregular, allowing the patient to learn and practice techniques effectively. In contrast, the active phase (choice B) is characterized by increased intensity and frequency of contractions, making it challenging for the patient to concentrate on learning. The second stage (choice C) is the pushing stage, where the focus shifts to pushing efforts rather than learning new techniques. The transition phase (choice D) is the most intense stage of labor, making it difficult for the patient to absorb and apply nonpharmacologic pain control methods effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because excessive pain in labor can lead to increased maternal stress, which may result in decreased placental perfusion, compromising oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus. This can have serious implications for the baby's well-being. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because excessive pain in labor does not necessarily lead to a more rapid labor, has an effect on the labor outcome by potentially impacting placental perfusion, and is not considered a normal occurrence that should be disregarded.