Rationalise two immediate actions/interventions related to epidural care that you would undertake (before escalating to your preceptor) in this scenario, while linking causative factors underpinning these signs and symptoms.

That evening Natalie goes to operating theatre for a laparotomy, splenectomy, and stabilisation

of the right open comminuted fracture tibial/fibula with an external fixation device. She returns

to the trauma unit with an T9-T10 Epidural (Bupivacaine) in situ.

Six hours later, Natalie is drowsy but complaining of abdominal pain 5/10 only on the left flank

when she is awake. Vital signs are BP 95/50mmHg, T36.2C, RR 10 (asleep) RR 14 (awake), SpO2

94% on 2LNP, HR 60 regular.

 

Question 3. (approx. 175 words)

Rationalise two immediate actions/interventions related to epidural care that you would

undertake (before escalating to your preceptor) in this scenario, while linking causative factors

underpinning these signs and symptoms.