Prior to administering epidural anesthesia, what action should the nurse take?

Administering a lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus prior to administering epidural anesthesia is important for several reasons. Epidural anesthesia can lead to hypotension as it affects the sympathetic nerves that control blood vessel constriction and can decrease cardiac output by affecting the autonomic nervous system. Providing a fluid bolus helps to expand the blood volume and can mitigate the risk of hypotensive episodes following the administration of the epidural.

In terms of patient safety, having adequate intravascular volume is crucial, especially in a situation where the patient may experience decreased blood pressure. This action also facilitates better cardiovascular stability during the procedure and ensures the patient is better prepared to handle the effects of the anesthesia.

Additionally, while sedation can be beneficial for patient comfort, it is not a priority compared to maintaining hemodynamic stability. Encouraging the client to walk is contraindicated as the effects of the epidural can impair mobility. Checking for a full bladder is also important for patient safety and comfort; however, it is secondary to ensuring that the patient is adequately hydrated and intravascular volume is optimized.