The nurse is collecting data for a patient who had an epidural anesthetic during surgery. What finding by the nurse is a priority to report?
a. Patient reports a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
b. Patient experiences chills and shaking postoperatively.
c. Patient's blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg.
d. Patient reports a feeling of numbness in the legs.
ANS: C
C. Hypotension results from sympathetic blockade causing vasodilation, which reduces venous return to the heart and therefore reduces cardiac output and must be reported. A, D. As the block wears off, patients feel as if their legs are very heavy and numb. This is normal. B. This is not related to the epidural.
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