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

Explanation

•General anesthesia administration 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.

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