A client is in active labor and has been admitted to the labor and delivery unit. The RN has just done a sterile vaginal exam and determines that the client is dilated 5 cm, effaced 85%, and the fetus’s head is at 0 station. She asks if she could have a lumbar epidural now. The epidural is started, and the anesthetic agent used is bupivacaine (Marcaine).
After the client has received her lumbar epidural, it is important for the RN to monitor her for which of the following side effects:
A . Hypertension
B . Hypotension
C . Hypoglycemia
D . Hyperglycemia
Answer: B
Explanation:
(A) The medication bupivacaine will cause vasodilation in the vascular system, and this does not result in elevation of the ma-ternal blood pressure.
(B) The medication bupivacaine will cause vasodilation in the vascular system, and this will result in lowering the maternal blood pressure.
(C) Bupivacaine does not interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system.
(D) Bupivacaine does not interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system.
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