A nursing process approach to epidural analgesia

Epidural narcotics are finding increasing favor in management of postcesarean birth pain. Effective pain relief coupled with minimal side effects often make this technique the method of choice. To provide comprehensive and safe nursing care for the mother using epidural narcotics, nurses must be knowledgeable about the technique, drugs, and associated patient responses. Nursing management using a care plan with nursing diagnosis and expected patient outcomes will help nurses plan their care of these patients.