NUR 275- Epidurals Exam Questions and Answers 100% Pass

NUR 275- Epidurals Exam Questions and Answers 100% Pass State Board of Nursing (SC) - RN may administer medication to the epidural & intrathecal space and peripheral nerve with the use of an electronic pump RN may monitor, maintain, regulate, and/or terminate a continuous epidural, intrathecal, or peripheral nerve infusion of medications RN may remove epidural or peripheral nerve (NOT INTRATHECAL) catheters (as long as it was an uncomplicated epidural) What do I need to know about the spinal cord? - Remember : (3 layers called the meninges) Dura mater- outermost layer, surrounds the spinal cord Arachnoid membrane- between the dura & pia mater Pia mater- innermost layer adheres to the surface of the spinal cord Epidural space- lies between the dura mater and the wall of the vertebrae canal Intrathecal space (CSF)- subarachnoid space. Lies beneath the arachnoid membrane and is filled with CSF 2COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY BRITTIE DONALD, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Intrathecal & epidural meds affect my patient, how? - Think about where the medication is placed!!!! Intrathecal delivery = profound numbness Epidural delivery = little to no numbness Epidural medication - Injected into the epidural space into the lumbar region or thoracic region less side effects, no headache, pain relief without numbness (injected into the meninges around the spinal cord. Intrathecal medication - Medication that is intended for diffusion into the cerebrospinal fluid (usually between the L4 & L5 Causes profound numbness Where does the spinal cord end? - Between L1 & L2 Where is the epidural usually injected? - Between L3 & L4 Why is an epidural injected between L3 & L4? - The location is below the spinal cord to avoid paralysis Epidural Analgesia - Position in side lying position w/legs flexed (fetal) Catheter placed on dermatome End of catheter closed Placement verified (test dose) Contraindications - •Anti-Coagulation (risk of hematoma) •Systemic infection (risk of infection) •Increased intracranial pressure (risk of cerebral herniation) 3COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY BRITTIE DONALD, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED •Decreased LOC (cannot verbalize pain) Low platelets (risk of bleeding/hematomas) Epidural Continuous Infusion - Usually placed by anesthetist prior to or during surgery Catheter placed at level of lumbar or thoracic vertebrae Catheter placement site is dressed with clear sterile dressing Catheter is taped to patient's back and brought up over patient's shoulder Why would a patient choose an Epidural? - Le