Critically analyse the midwives role in relation to the administration of epidural anaesthesia Free Essay Example, 3000 words

Apart from the above reasons, this technique for relieving pain can also be used in cases of vaginal bleech delivery, trial vaginal birth after caesarean section and in cases where the woman is experiencing premature labour (Wunsch 2003). Cases of pre eclapsia, diabetes, cardiac and respiratory disease as well as uncontrollable urge to push may also require epidural analgesia. The decision is made by all the three, obstetricians, midwife and anaesthetists working together because they are the people involved. Precautions To Be Taken Before a midwife takes part in the administration of epidural analgesia, they are required by the NNC guidelines to be cautious about some issues that are associated with epidural analgesia (Nursing & Midwifery Council 2014). The midwives are required to be cautious about central nervous system disorder, spinal deformity and gross obesity, systemic sepsis and potential severe haemorrhage. In addition to this the midwives should be cautious about fetal distress and cardiac pathology. These are the requirements of the NNC Guidelines that every midwife needs to follow during their duty in the administration of epidural analgesia. The midwife who is looking after a woman who requires epidural analgesia for pain relief in a case of uncomplicated labour needs to immediately contact the anaesthetists who is on duty and explain the situation to him or her. We will write a custom essay sample on Critically analyse the midwives role in relation to the administration of epidural anaesthesia or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now The midwife needs to have all the relevant information about the patient. The midwife needs to perform the vaginal examination on the patient in accordance to the midwifery guidelines and protocols within four hours of the request for epidural analgesia. It is the duty of the midwife to obtain the relevant blood results that are required before the commencement of the epidural process (Van der Vyver and Halpern 2004). The midwife should ensure that the platelet count is done within six hours of the epidural request. In addition to contacting the anaesthetists, the midwife is also supposed to contact the obstetricians if he or she was involved in the case. The midwife should alert the obstetrician about the woman’s request for an epidural. Apart from contacting the anaesthetists and the obstetricians, the midwife is supposed to discuss with the anaesthetists the kind of process that will be suitable for the patient. In addition to this, the midwife is required to have a discussion with the obstetrician and the anaesthetists on the advantages of the process. The midwife should also discuss with patients the potential side effects of the process that are normally listed in the anaesthetic charts (Wunsch, 2003).