A woman has requested an epidural for her pain.She is 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced.The baby is in a vertex position and is engaged.The nurse increases the woman's IV fluid for a preprocedural bolus.Prior to initiation of the epidural the woman should be informed regarding the disadvantages of an epidural block.They include all except:

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This is an advantage of an epidural block.Other advantages include the woman remains alert and able to participate,good relaxation is achieved,airway reflexes remain intact,only partial motor paralysis develops and blood loss is not excessive.The woman's ability to move freely and to maintain control of her labor is limited,related to the use of numerous medical interventions (IV and electronic fetal monitoring [EFM]).Significant disadvantages of an epidural block include the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension,dizziness,sedation,and leg weakness.Women who receive an epidural have a higher rate of fever (38° C or greater)especially when labor lasts longer than 12 hours.This may result in an unnecessary neonatal workup for sepsis.

A Woman Has Requested an Epidural for Her Pain