A 30-year-old primipara is administered an epidural anesthesia. During the first hour of post-epidural anesthesia administration, which of the following signs and symptoms should be referred immediately to the anesthesiologist?

Explanation

• Epidural anesthesia can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications. Safe and effective management requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. Respiratory depression can result if opioids are used.

• Side effects of epidural opioids may include nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and delayed maternal depression. The possibility of late respiratory depression exists for up to 24 hours after the administration of an epidural opioid, depending on the duration of action of the drug used. Epidural provides pain control during much of labor and for birth itself.

• Regional pain control methods may be used for intrapartum analgesia, surgical anesthesia, or both. These methods provide pain relief without loss of consciousness.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!