A 24-year-old primipara is now in her active phase of the first stage of labor. She tells the nurse that she wants general anesthesia to relieve intense pain. The nurse advises the patient that general anesthesia is never preferred for childbirth because

Explanation

• General anesthesia refers to the deep sleep used for surgery where the patient is completely unaware of what is going on around them during the procedure.

• This is never preferred for childbirth because it carries the dangers of hypoxia and possible inhalation of vomitus during administration.

• Pregnant women are particularly prone to gastric reflux because of increased stomach pressure from the weight of the full uterus beneath it.

• All women who receive general anesthesia must be observed closely in the postpartum period because of the possibility of uterine atony and hemorrhage.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!