Question

The nurse is educating a client about the use of nitrous oxide in labor. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

"Using nitrous oxide may cause the baby to have lower APGAR scores."

"Nitrous oxide is administered through your IV catheter."

"If you use nitrous oxide, you cannot get an epidural afterward."

"The most common side effects of nitrous oxide are nausea and dizziness."

Answer 1

The statements should the nurse include in the teaching is: "The most common side effects of nitrous oxide are nausea and dizziness."

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse educating the client about the use of nitrous oxide in labor should include correct information regarding its administration and potential side effects. Nitrous oxide is an inhalational anesthetic given through a mask or a mouthpiece rather than through an IV catheter. One of the most common side effects of nitrous oxide during labor is indeed nausea and dizziness, although serious side effects are rare.

It is important to clarify that using nitrous oxide does not prevent the client from receiving an epidural later if they decide they want one. So the answer is: "The most common side effects of nitrous oxide are nausea and dizziness."