The nurse is caring for a patient who received an epidural analgesic minutes ago.Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath, itching, and hives are signs of an allergic reaction to the epidural analgesic and require immediate intervention by the provider. A slowdown in labor contractions and complaints of numbness in the legs are expected side effects of an epidural. A reduction in blood pressure is also a possible side effect but may not require immediate intervention unless it becomes clinically significant.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Received an Epidural