Maternal hypotension is a potential side effect of regional anesthesia and analgesia.What nursing interventions could you use to raise the patient's blood pressure? (Select all that apply.)
A) Place the woman in a supine position.
B) Place the woman in a lateral position.
C) Increase intravenous (IV) fluids.
D) Administer oxygen.
E) Perform a vaginal examination.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nursing interventions for maternal hypotension arising from analgesia or anesthesia include turning the woman to a lateral position,increasing IV fluids,administering oxygen via face mask,elevating the woman's legs,notifying the physician,administering an IV vasopressor,and monitoring the maternal and fetal status at least every 5 minutes until these are stable.Placing the patient in a supine position would cause venous compression,thereby limiting blood flow to and oxygenation of the placenta and fetus.A sterile vaginal examination has no bearing on maternal blood pressure.

Maternal Hypotension Is a Potential Side Effect of Regional Anesthesia