Nokea
A client in labor requests epidural anesthesia for pain control. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Position the client supine for 30 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution.
- B. Administer 1,000 mL of dextrose 5% in water after the first dose of anesthetic solution.
- C. Monitor the client's blood pressure every 5 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution.
- D. Ensure the client has been NPO for 4 hours before the placement of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's blood pressure every 5 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution. This is crucial as epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension, which can lead to maternal and fetal complications. Monitoring blood pressure every 5 minutes allows for early detection and intervention.
A: Positioning the client supine for 30 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution can lead to hypotension due to decreased venous return, so this is incorrect.
B: Administering dextrose 5% in water is not a standard practice after epidural anesthesia and does not address the risk of hypotension, so this is incorrect.
D: Ensuring the client has been NPO for 4 hours before the procedure is important for general anesthesia but not specifically for epidural anesthesia, so this is incorrect.
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When teaching a new mother how to use a bulb syringe to suction her newborn's secretions, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Insert the syringe tip after compressing the bulb.
- B. Suction each nare before suctioning the mouth.
- C. Insert the tip of the syringe at the center of the newborn's mouth.
- D. Stop suctioning when the newborn's cry sounds clear.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it is important to stop suctioning when the newborn's cry sounds clear to avoid causing unnecessary discomfort or injury. Step 1: Gently compress the bulb syringe. Step 2: Insert the tip into the nostril, not the mouth. Step 3: Release the bulb to suction out the secretions. Step 4: Repeat in the other nostril. Incorrect choices: A is incorrect because you should insert the syringe tip before compressing the bulb. B is incorrect as you should suction the mouth before the nose. C is incorrect as you should not insert the syringe tip in the center of the mouth.
A healthcare professional is assisting with the care for a client who is experiencing a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following findings is expected with this condition?
- A. No alteration in menses
- B. Transvaginal ultrasound indicating a fetus in the uterus
- C. Blood progesterone greater than the expected reference range
- D. Report of severe shoulder pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Report of severe shoulder pain. In a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. As the tube ruptures, there is internal bleeding which can irritate the diaphragm, causing referred pain to the shoulder. This phenomenon is known as Kehr's sign. The other choices are incorrect because with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, there would typically be altered menses due to the pregnancy disruption, a transvaginal ultrasound would not show a fetus in the uterus, and blood progesterone levels would not be elevated.
A client presents with uterine hypotonicity and postpartum hemorrhage. Which action should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Check the client's capillary refill.
- B. Massage the client's fundus.
- C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter for the client.
- D. Prepare the client for a blood transfusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Massaging the client's fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions and control postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine hypotonicity. This action helps prevent further blood loss and promotes uterine tone. Checking capillary refill would not directly address the immediate issue of hemorrhage. Inserting a urinary catheter is not a priority in managing postpartum hemorrhage. Preparing for a blood transfusion may be necessary later, but addressing the uterine hypotonicity and hemorrhage is the priority.
A client is in labor, and a nurse observes late decelerations on the electronic fetal monitor. What should the nurse identify as the first action that the registered nurse should take?
- A. Assist the client into the left-lateral position
- B. Apply a fetal scalp electrode
- C. Insert an IV catheter
- D. Perform a vaginal exam
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assist the client into the left-lateral position. This is the first action because it helps improve placental perfusion, which can alleviate late decelerations associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. The left-lateral position promotes optimal blood flow and oxygenation to the placenta by reducing pressure on the vena cava and improving maternal perfusion. This position can potentially prevent further fetal distress.
Summary of other choices:
B: Applying a fetal scalp electrode is not the first action for addressing late decelerations. It may be considered later for more precise monitoring.
C: Inserting an IV catheter is important but not the priority when late decelerations are observed.
D: Performing a vaginal exam is not indicated as the first action for addressing late decelerations and could potentially increase the risk of infection.
When educating a pregnant client about potential complications, which manifestation should the nurse emphasize reporting to the provider promptly?
- A. Vaginal bleeding
- B. Swelling of the ankles
- C. Heartburn after eating
- D. Lightheadedness when lying on back
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vaginal bleeding. This is crucial to report promptly as it could indicate serious issues like placental abruption or miscarriage. Swelling of the ankles (B) is common in pregnancy but not typically an urgent concern. Heartburn (C) is common and can be managed with lifestyle changes. Lightheadedness when lying on the back (D) is likely due to inferior vena cava compression and can be relieved by changing position. Reporting vaginal bleeding is vital for timely intervention in pregnancy complications.