A client has just received an epidural block.

(A) Nursing measures to support fetal oxygenation and promote maternal blood pressure would precede calling the physician. (B) Systolic pressures below 100 mm Hg or a reduction in the systolic pressure of>30% necessitate treatment. Assessing the blood pressure in 5 minutes may allow for further fetal and/or maternal compromise. Turning the client on her left side will promote uteroplacental perfusion and is appropriate. (C) Oxytocin (Pitocin) increases the strength of uterine contractions and may cause maternal hypotension; thus it is an inappropriate drug for use in this clinical situation. IV fluids would be increased to expand the circulating blood volume and promote increased blood pressure. (D) Turning the mother to her left lateral side promotes uteroplacental perfusion. IV fluids are administered to increase the circulating blood volume, and O2 is administered to promote fetal oxygenation and decrease the nausea accompanying the hypotension.