Question

a laboring client has received an order for epidural anesthesia. to prevent the most common complication associated with this procedure, the nurse would expect to:

Answer 1

To prevent hypotension, the most common complication of epidural anesthesia, a nurse would expect to administer a fluid bolus before the procedure. A comprehensive 'time out' protocol is also followed to ensure all necessary precautions are taken to ensure patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent the most common complication associated with epidural anesthesia, which is hypotension, the nurse in a surgical setting would expect to administer intravenous fluids prophylactically. This practice is sometimes known as a 'fluid bolus' and is done to ensure adequate blood volume and pressure during the procedure. Prior to the administration of anesthesia, there is typically a protocol in place that involves a time out to review important patient details and to prepare for the surgery. This time out includes key actions such as confirming the patient's identity, the surgical site, and the procedure; reviewing anticipated critical events including operative duration and potential blood loss; ensuring the sterility of equipment; and confirming the availability of necessary equipment and blood products.

Prophylactic antibiotics should also be administered within 60 minutes before the incision is made, except when they are not indicated. It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure patient safety and to prevent potential complications associated with the epidural anesthesia.