A client is receiving epidural anesthesia and develops nausea and becomes pale and clammy. The nurse should take which action first?

A client is receiving epidural anesthesia and develops nausea and becomes pale and clammy. The nurse should take which action first?

• A. Administer IV fluids
• B. Raise foot of the bed
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Call the physician

Answer: (B)

Epidural anesthesia can cause a drop in blood pressure from sympathetic blockade, leading to nausea, pallor, and clamminess as perfusion drops. The fastest way to counter this is to boost venous return and preload. Elevating the legs (raising the foot of the bed) uses gravity to move blood from the legs back toward the central circulation, quickly increasing venous return to the heart and improving blood pressure and perfusion. This immediate maneuver helps alleviate the symptoms while other treatments are arranged. After leg elevation, continue with volume expansion through IV fluids and provide oxygen as needed, and notify the clinician for further management if the response is not adequate.

Epidural anesthesia can cause a drop in blood pressure from sympathetic blockade, leading to nausea, pallor, and clamminess as perfusion drops. The fastest way to counter this is to boost venous return and preload. Elevating the legs (raising the foot of the bed) uses gravity to move blood from the legs back toward the central circulation, quickly increasing venous return to the heart and improving blood pressure and perfusion. This immediate maneuver helps alleviate the symptoms while other treatments are arranged. After leg elevation, continue with volume expansion through IV fluids and provide oxygen as needed, and notify the clinician for further management if the response is not adequate.