A patient receiving an epidural analgesic develops rapidly increasing leg weakness and numbness. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation are currently normal. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Stop the epidural infusion and assess the patient urgently
- A. Stop the epidural infusion and assess the patient urgently
- B. Ask the patient to stand so the weakness can be measured
- C. Give an additional analgesic and reassess the strength later
- D. Place the patient in a chair to prevent prolonged bed rest
Explanation
Rapidly increasing motor and sensory block may indicate excessive neuraxial spread or another neurological complication. Stopping the infusion and performing urgent assessment prevents further harm while specialist review is obtained.
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About Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation
Clinical judgement links assessment findings, nursing knowledge and patient responses to a safe decision. Coverage includes ABCDE assessment, recognising actual or potential instability, prioritising airway, breathing and circulation, using urgency and risk rather than routine order, reassessing after intervention, and distinguishing a nursing priority from a medical diagnosis or a task that can wait.
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