A nurse is caring for a client in active labor. The nurse notes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Reposition the client
- C. Prepare for delivery
- D. Increase IV fluids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression. Repositioning the client can help alleviate pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
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A nurse is reviewing a laboratory report for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. BUN 35 mg/dL
- B. Hgb 15 mg/dL
- C. Bilirubin 0.6 mg/dL
- D. Hct 37%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A BUN of 35 mg/dL indicates potential kidney impairment, which is a concern in preeclampsia due to compromised renal function. This finding warrants further evaluation by the provider.
A nurse providing dietary teaching for a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has phenylketonuria. Which of the following suggested foods should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. A peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread
- B. A sliced apple and red grapes
- C. A chocolate chip cookie with a glass of skim milk
- D. A scrambled egg with cheddar cheese
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with phenylketonuria (PKU) must adhere to a strict low-phenylalanine diet to prevent neurological damage. A sliced apple and red grapes are low in phenylalanine, making them safe choices.
A nurse is assessing a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of a potential prenatal complication?
- A. Periodic tingling of fingers
- B. Absence of clonus
- C. Leg cramps
- D. Blurred vision
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Blurred vision can be an indicator of serious conditions such as preeclampsia, which involves hypertension and can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications.
A nurse is caring for a laboring client and notes that the fetal heart rate begins to decelerate after the contraction has started. The lowest point of deceleration occurs after the peak of the contraction. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Change the client's position
- C. Increase IV fluids
- D. Call the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, indicating that the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen during contractions. This is an emergency that requires prompt intervention. Changing the client's position helps to improve placental blood flow, which can reduce the stress on the fetus. If the decelerations continue, further interventions, including oxygen administration and notifying the provider, may be necessary.
A nurse is caring for a newborn who has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the mother to breastfeed the newborn
- B. Gavage feed 60 mL (2 oz) of glucose water
- C. Administer 10 mL of D5W via IV
- D. Recheck the glucose level in 2 hr
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the mother to breastfeed is appropriate, as breastfeeding can quickly raise blood glucose levels in newborns. A level of 45 mg/dL is often acceptable but should be monitored closely.
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