A nurse is providing care to a client who is in active labor. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask
- B. Reposition the client from side to side
- C. Increase the rate of the IV infusion
- D. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when observing variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate is to reposition the client from side to side. Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression, and repositioning the client can relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen, increasing the IV infusion rate, and notifying the provider can be appropriate actions but repositioning the client takes priority in addressing variable decelerations.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?
- A. Contraction frequency of every 3 minutes
- B. Contraction duration of 80 seconds
- C. Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate
- D. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate require immediate intervention as they can indicate fetal distress due to uteroplacental insufficiency. This finding suggests a compromised blood flow to the fetus, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Contraction frequency and duration are important to monitor but do not necessitate immediate intervention unless they are causing fetal distress. Urine output of 50 mL/hr is within the normal range for a client in labor and does not require immediate intervention.
A client in the first stage of labor is experiencing lower back pain and asks the nurse what can be done to relieve the pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest?
- A. Perform effleurage on the client's abdomen
- B. Apply counterpressure to the client's sacrum
- C. Provide a back massage with lavender oil
- D. Administer opioid analgesics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applying counterpressure to the sacrum can help alleviate lower back pain during labor by reducing pressure on the nerves. Effleurage on the abdomen, back massage with lavender oil, and administering opioid analgesics are not specifically targeted at relieving lower back pain, making them less effective interventions in this scenario.
A client is experiencing preterm labor and is receiving betamethasone. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?
- A. This medication will help prevent contractions.
- B. This medication will reduce my baby's risk of respiratory distress.
- C. This medication will prevent early labor.
- D. This medication will increase my baby's weight.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct answer: Option B. Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid used to promote fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Option A is incorrect because betamethasone does not prevent contractions. Option C is incorrect as betamethasone does not prevent early labor but helps improve fetal lung development. Option D is incorrect as betamethasone does not increase the baby's weight.
A client at 37 weeks of gestation is scheduled for a nonstress test. What information should the nurse include?
- A. You will be given oxytocin during the test.
- B. You will need to fast for 12 hours before the test.
- C. You will need to drink orange juice before the test.
- D. You will need to have a full bladder during the test.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Drinking orange juice before the nonstress test can increase fetal movement, which is essential for an accurate reading. Choice A is incorrect because oxytocin is not typically administered during a nonstress test. Choice B is incorrect as fasting is not required before this test. Choice D is incorrect as a full bladder is not necessary for a nonstress test.
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 2 days old and has a total serum bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer 1 oz of glucose water every 2 hours
- B. Feed the newborn 60 mL of formula every 4 hours
- C. Offer sterile water between feedings
- D. Initiate phototherapy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Initiate phototherapy. Phototherapy is the primary treatment for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia, as it helps to break down excess bilirubin in the skin. Administering glucose water (choice A) is not indicated for treating hyperbilirubinemia. Feeding the newborn formula (choice B) or offering sterile water (choice C) will not directly address the elevated bilirubin levels in the newborn.