A nurse is caring for a client who reports spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse observes fetal bradycardia on the FHR tracing and notices that the umbilical cord is protruding. After calling for assistance and notifying the provider, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Perform a vaginal examination by applying upward pressure on the presenting part.
- B. Cover the umbilical cord with a sterile saline-saturated towel.
- C. Administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask at 8 L/min.
- D. Initiate an infusion of IV fluids for the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cover the umbilical cord with a sterile saline-saturated towel. This action is crucial in preventing compression and desiccation of the umbilical cord, which could lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. By covering the cord, the nurse can protect it from further damage while waiting for emergency intervention. Performing a vaginal examination (choice A) could worsen the situation by causing more pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen (choice C) may be important later but is not the immediate priority. Initiating IV fluids (choice D) is not the most urgent action in this scenario.
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A nurse in a prenatal clinic is assessing a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
- A. A client who is at 11 weeks of gestation and reports abdominal cramping.
- B. A client who is at 15 weeks of gestation and reports tingling and numbness in right hand.
- C. A client who is at 20 weeks of gestation and reports constipation for the past 4 days.
- D. A client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and reports having three bloody noses in the past week.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abdominal cramping in early pregnancy can be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, both of which require immediate evaluation and intervention.
A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive oxytocin to augment their labor. Which of the following findings contraindicates the initiation of the oxytocin infusion and should be reported to the provider?
- A. Late decelerations.
- B. Moderate variability of the FHR.
- C. Cessation of uterine dilation.
- D. Prolonged active phase of labor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are a sign of fetal distress and contraindicate the use of oxytocin, as it can exacerbate the distress.
Which of the following is a potential ethical issue related to maternal request for cesarean delivery?
- A. Autonomy versus beneficence
- B. Allocation of resources
- C. Informed consent
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ethical issue of autonomy versus beneficence arises when a mother's request for a cesarean delivery conflicts with medical recommendations. Respecting patient autonomy while ensuring beneficence (doing what is best for the patient) can create ethical dilemmas.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and receiving oxytocin. Which of the following findings indicates that the nurse should increase the rate of infusion?
- A. Contractions every 5 min that last 30 seconds
- B. Montevideo units consistently 300 mm Hg
- C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr
- D. FHR pattern with absent variability
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Contractions every 5 minutes lasting 30 seconds are inadequate for labor progression, indicating the need to increase oxytocin infusion to strengthen contractions.
A nurse is providing teaching about immunizations to a client who is pregnant. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. The immunization for varicella should be given at least 1 month prior to delivery.
- B. You can receive the rubella immunization during the third trimester of pregnancy.
- C. The hepatitis B immunization should not be obtained until after you finish breastfeeding.
- D. You can receive the immunization for influenza at any time during your pregnancy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The influenza vaccine is safe and recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby. Varicella and rubella vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy.