VATI Maternal Newborn Assessment Related

Review VATI Maternal Newborn Assessment related questions and content

During a nursing assessment the woman with rupture

  • A. What is the nurse's priority action?
  • B. Use gravity and manipulation to relieve compression of the cord (butt up in the air and face down until ready to delivery)
  • C. Help the fetal head descend faster
  • D. Facilitate dilation of the cervix with prostaglandin gel
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario presented, the nurse's priority action should be to call for emergent medical assistance. A woman with a rupture during a nursing assessment could be experiencing a serious complication known as umbilical cord prolapse. This occurs when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby, which can lead to compression of the cord and a serious decrease in oxygen supply to the baby. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention by the healthcare team, which may include moving the mother into a knee-chest position or performing a cesarean section. Therefore, the priority action for the nurse is to ensure prompt medical intervention to protect the well-being of both the mother and the baby.