Question

a nurse is assessing a client in labor who has had epidural anesthesia for pain relief. which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a complication from the epidural block?

hypotension
tachycardia
respiratory depression
vomiting

Explanation:

Identify the physiological effects of epidural anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia blocks sympathetic nerve fibers along with pain fibers. This sympathetic blockade leads to peripheral vasodilation, which decreases venous return to the heart and reduces cardiac output.

Determine the most common adverse effect

The vasodilation and subsequent decrease in venous return frequently cause maternal hypotension. This is the most common and significant side effect of an epidural block in laboring clients.

Evaluate the other options

• Tachycardia is not a direct primary complication of the block itself, though it may occur secondary to severe hypotension.
• Respiratory depression is rare unless the block reaches an abnormally high level (high spinal).
• Vomiting can occur but is typically secondary to hypotension rather than a direct primary complication of the block.

Answer:

• Hypotension (Correct answer)
• Tachycardia
• Respiratory depression
• Vomiting