Question

A client who had abdominal surgery is receiving epidural analgesia. The nurse monitors the client closely, knowing that which is a potential complication of this therapy?

a) Respiratory depression
b) Hypertension
c) Bradycardia
d) Hyperactivity

Answer 1

The potential complication of epidural analgesia is respiratory depression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential complication of epidural analgesia is respiratory depression. This occurs when the medication used in the epidural crosses over into the bloodstream and affects the respiratory centers in the brain. It can cause a decrease in the rate and depth of breathing, leading to inadequate oxygen levels in the blood.

This complication can occur due to the spread of the analgesic medication to the upper spinal segments, affecting the nerves that control respiratory muscles. Close monitoring of the client's respiratory rate, depth, and oxygen saturation levels is essential to detect and manage respiratory depression promptly.

Other potential complications of epidural analgesia include hypotension (low blood pressure) due to the effect of the medication on blood vessels, motor block (muscle weakness or paralysis) due to the spread of the medication to motor nerves, and infection at the site of the epidural insertion.