Adult Health Nursing Answer Key Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Answer Key related questions and content

A woman in active labor is experiencing umbilical cord prolapse. What is the priority nursing action?

  • A. Elevating the mother's hips to relieve pressure on the cord
  • B. Preparing for immediate cesarean section
  • C. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly
  • D. Applying external fetal monitoring to assess fetal heart rate
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of umbilical cord prolapse, the priority nursing action is to prepare for an immediate cesarean section. Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the presenting part of the fetus. This can lead to compression of the cord, compromising fetal blood flow and oxygenation. Immediate delivery via cesarean section is necessary in order to prevent fetal hypoxia and avoid potential complications such as brain damage or death. Elevating the mother's hips or administering intravenous fluids rapidly may be interventions done in conjunction with preparing for a cesarean section, but the priority remains expedited delivery of the baby. Applying external fetal monitoring is not the most appropriate action in this emergency situation.