Nokea
The nurse applies fetal and uterine monitors to the abdomen of a client in active labor. When the client has contractions, the nurse notes a 15 beats/min deceleration of the fetal heart rate below the baseline lasting 15 seconds. Which is the next nursing action?
- A. Calling the primary health care provider
- B. Changing the maternal position
- C. Obtaining the maternal blood pressure
- D. Preparing the environment for an immediate birth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Changing the maternal position. Deceleration of fetal heart rate during contractions can indicate umbilical cord compression. Changing the maternal position can relieve pressure on the cord, improving blood flow to the fetus. This action is a non-invasive and immediate intervention that can potentially improve fetal oxygenation. Calling the primary health care provider (A) can be done after addressing the immediate concern. Obtaining maternal blood pressure (C) is not the priority in this situation. Preparing for an immediate birth (D) is premature without first attempting non-invasive interventions.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is not a complication associated with chronic hypertension during pregnancy?
- A. preeclampsia
- B. gestational diabetes
- C. fetal growth restriction
- D. polyhydramnios
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, gestational diabetes. Chronic hypertension in pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and polyhydramnios due to placental dysfunction and impaired blood flow. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, is a separate condition caused by insulin resistance during pregnancy. It is not directly related to chronic hypertension and its complications. Therefore, gestational diabetes is not a complication associated with chronic hypertension during pregnancy.
Which intervention would the nurse initiate when a fetal heart pattern signifying uteroplacental insufficiency occurs?
- A. Inserting a urinary catheter
- B. Administering oxygen by means of nasal cannula
- C. Helping the client turn to the side-lying position
- D. Encouraging the client to pant with her next contraction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Helping the client turn to the side-lying position. This intervention facilitates increased blood flow to the placenta, improving oxygenation to the fetus during uteroplacental insufficiency. The side-lying position relieves pressure on the vena cava, enhancing blood flow. Inserting a urinary catheter (A) is not indicated for addressing uteroplacental insufficiency. Administering oxygen (B) is important, but turning the client to the side is the priority as it directly improves blood flow. Encouraging panting (D) is not effective in addressing uteroplacental insufficiency.
A patient at 32 weeks' gestation is diagnosed with polyhydramnios. The patient asks the nurse if polyhydramnios can affect the baby. What is the nurse's response to the patient's question?
- A. No, polyhydramnios commonly occurs toward the end of pregnancy.
- B. No, polyhydramnios is a sign that the lungs are maturing.
- C. Yes, polyhydramnios increases the risk of a preterm delivery.
- D. Yes, polyhydramnios causes umbilical cord compression.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Yes, polyhydramnios increases the risk of a preterm delivery. Polyhydramnios, an excess of amniotic fluid, can lead to uterine overdistension, which may trigger premature labor. The increased pressure from the excess fluid can also cause premature rupture of membranes. This complication can potentially result in a preterm delivery, which carries risks for the baby's health and development. Choices A and B are incorrect because polyhydramnios is not a normal occurrence at the end of pregnancy nor a sign of lung maturity. Choice D is incorrect as umbilical cord compression is a potential complication of polyhydramnios but not the primary risk associated with it.
Which intrapartal assessment should be avoided when caring for a patient with HELLP syndrome?
- A. Abdominal palpation
- B. Venous sample of blood
- C. Checking deep tendon reflexes
- D. Auscultation of the heart and lungs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Abdominal palpation
Rationale: Abdominal palpation can lead to increased risk of placental abruption in patients with HELLP syndrome. This can cause severe hemorrhage and compromise fetal and maternal well-being. Therefore, it should be avoided.
Summary of other choices:
- B: Venous sample of blood: Necessary for assessing blood parameters in patients with HELLP syndrome.
- C: Checking deep tendon reflexes: Important for evaluating neurological status in patients with HELLP syndrome.
- D: Auscultation of the heart and lungs: Essential for monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory function in patients with HELLP syndrome.
What virus is highly contagious, spread through airborne particles, and can cause intrauterine fetal demise, skin scarring, eye, limb or neurologic abnormalities, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and low birth weight in the fetus?
- A. toxoplasmosis
- B. syphilis
- C. rubella
- D. Varicella (chickenpox)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Varicella (chickenpox). Varicella virus is highly contagious and spreads through airborne particles. It can cause intrauterine fetal demise, skin scarring, eye, limb, or neurologic abnormalities, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and low birth weight in the fetus. Varicella infection during pregnancy can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the fetus. Toxoplasmosis (A), syphilis (B), and rubella (C) can also cause complications during pregnancy, but they do not match all the characteristics mentioned in the question.