The blood pressure of a client receiving continuous epidural anesthesia for labor has changed from 132/78 mmHg to 78/42 mmHg. What action should the nurse perform first?

Question

1. Administer oxygen.
2. Administer ephedrine 5 to 10 mg intravenously.
3. Verify the client is positioned to promote left uterine displacement.
4. Increase the flow rate of infusion of intravenous crystalloid solution.

Answer 1

1
Explanation:
1. If hypotension occurs secondary to epidural anesthesia, the nurse should apply oxygen via face mask first.
2. The nurse should notify the anesthesiologist for treatment orders before administering ephedrine.
3. Verification of body position is not identified as a step in the treatment of acute hypotension with an epidural infusion.
4. Administering a bolus of crystalloid fluid occurs after oxygen is applied to the client.