MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What assessment should be taken immediately after the anesthesiologist administers an
epidural block to a labouring woman?
a. Assess bladder for distention
b. Blood pressure
c. Sensation in the lower extremities
d. Intravenous fluid flow rate
ANS: B
Blood pressure is checked every 5 minutes when the epidural block is first begun.
Bladder assessment is also important but not an initial assessment.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 182 OBJ: 8
TOP: Epidural Block KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
2. A woman in labour has an epidural block for pain relief. A nurse will assess the woman
carefully for what associated adverse effect?
a. Reduced fetal heart rate
b. Long, intense contractions
c. Sudden leg cramps
d. Bladder distention
ANS: D
A side effect of an epidural block is urine retention, because the anesthesia interferes
with the woman’s ability to have an urge to void. The patient may require
catheterization.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: 182 OBJ: 8
TOP: Epidural Block KEY: Nursing Process Step: Data Collection
, 3. Which narcotic antagonist is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression?
a. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
b. Phenobarbital
c. Naloxone (Narcan)
d. Nitrous oxide
ANS: C
Naloxone (Narcan) is used to reverse respiratory depression caused by narcotics.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: 179 OBJ: 7 | 8
TOP: Opioids KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A
4. A nurse is teaching a childbirth preparation class. The group is discussing individual
expression of labour pain. What statement is accurate about a patient’s expression of
pain?
a. It reduces the patient’s perception of pain.
b. It is intensified by the vertex position of the fetus.
c. It can be influenced by culture.
d. It can be completely controlled by nonpharmacological techniques.
ANS: C
Culture can influence how women feel about birth and what is an acceptable response
to pain.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: 175 OBJ: 4
TOP: Cultural Influences on Pain KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A
5. What chemical substance(s) produced in the body acts as a natural pain reliever?
a. Endorphins
b. Morphine
c. Codeine
d. Atropine
ANS: A
Endorphins are natural body substances that are similar to morphine and may explain