A postpartum woman is complaining of a headache that is worsening despite having taken Tylenol (acetaminophen) an hour ago. She delivered yesterday with epidural anesthesia. What action by the nurse is best?
A.
Assess if the pain is worse when she sits upright.
B.
Call the provider and ask for stronger analgesics.
C.
Document the findings in the patient's chart.
D.
Notify the health-care provider immediately.
ANS: A
Headache is not uncommon after childbirth. Patients who received epidural or spinal anesthesia may complain of headaches, especially on assuming an upright position. Because this patient had an epidural, the nurse should first assess for this situation. Asking for stronger pain medication should not be done unless the nurse has completed a comprehensive pain assessment. The health-care provider does not need to be notified right away unless the patient has other symptoms, such as blurred vision. Documentation should be thorough, but the nurse needs to take further action first.
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