Final answer:
The nurse provides vigilant monitoring of a patient receiving epidural analgesia to prevent respiratory depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse provides vigilant monitoring of a patient receiving epidural analgesia to prevent the occurrence of respiratory depression. This is because epidural analgesia can lead to the suppression of the central nervous system, which can result in decreased respiratory effort. To prevent respiratory depression, the nurse will closely monitor the patient's respiratory rate, effort, and oxygen saturation levels.
Learn more about respiratory depression