A woman at 36-weeks gestation who is Rh negative is admitted to labor and delivery reporting abdominal cramping. She is placed on strict bedrest and the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern are monitored with an external fetal monitor Two hours after admission, the nurse notes a large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Determine fetal position by performing Leopold maneuvers.
- B. Assess the fetal heart rate and client's contraction pattern
- C. Confirm Rh and Coombs status for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration
- D. Perform sterile vaginal examination to determine dilatation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bright red vaginal bleeding is a critical sign that may indicate placental issues or fetal distress. Assessing the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern is the highest priority to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse receives a newborn within the first minutes after a vaginal delivery and intervenes to establish adequate respirations. What priority issue should the nurse address to ensure the newborn's survival?
- A. Bleeding tendencies
- B. Heat loss
- C. Hypoglycemia
- D. Fluid balance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Newborns are at high risk for hypothermia due to heat loss, which can compromise survival. Preventing heat loss is a priority immediately after birth.
A 25-year-old client who had a severe postpartum hemorrhage following the vaginal birth of twins is transferred to the postpartum unit. The nurse knows that assessment for what complication has the highest priority for this client?
- A. Placenta accreta
- B. Hard, painful uterine afterpains.
- C. Postpartum psychosis.
- D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Severe postpartum hemorrhage increases the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a life-threatening condition requiring urgent assessment.
A client who is 32 weeks gestation comes to the women's health clinic and reports nausea and vomiting. On examination, the nurse notes that the client has an elevated blood pressure. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Inspect the client's face for edema
- B. Ascertain the frequency of headaches
- C. Evaluate for history of cluster headaches
- D. Observe and time client's contractions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure at 32 weeks may suggest preeclampsia. Inspecting for facial edema is a priority to assess for fluid retention, a key sign of this condition.
A pregnant client receives Rho(D) immune globulin after an amniocentesis. The day following the procedure the client calls the nurse to report a temperature of 99.8° F (37.67°C). Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the client to maintain bed rest for 24 hours.
- B. Encourage the client to increase her intake of oral fluids
- C. Schedule a visit with the healthcare provider today
- D. Verify the administered Rho(D) immune globulin's compatibility
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A temperature elevation post-amniocentesis may indicate infection, requiring prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.
A nurse is speaking with a client who is addicted to heroin and who just learned that she is pregnant. The client states, 'I just started taking methadone. Is there anything else I can do to make sure my baby is healthy?' Which information should the nurse provide?
- A. Describe genetic testing protocols
- B. Discontinue the methadone right away
- C. Sign up for group therapy sessions
- D. Start a prenatal care plan as soon as possible
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Early prenatal care is critical for monitoring maternal and fetal health, managing opioid addiction with methadone under medical supervision, and addressing potential complications.
Nokea