Maternal Monitoring Related

Review Maternal Monitoring related questions and content

A nurse is assisting with a vaginal birth and notices a prolapsed umbilical cord. What is the immediate nursing action?

  • A. administer oxygen via mask
  • B. place the person in the knee-chest position
  • C. reposition the laboring person
  • D. prepare for an emergency delivery
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct immediate nursing action for a prolapsed umbilical cord is to administer oxygen via mask (Choice A). This is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation to the fetus as the prolapsed cord can compress and compromise blood flow. Administering oxygen helps maintain fetal oxygenation until emergency measures can be taken. Placing the person in the knee-chest position (Choice B) is contraindicated as it can further compress the cord. Repositioning the laboring person (Choice C) may not effectively relieve pressure on the cord. While preparing for an emergency delivery (Choice D) is important, administering oxygen is the priority to ensure fetal well-being.