Nokea
The laboring client suddenly experiences a dramatic drop in the FHR from the 150s to the 110s. A vaginal exam reveals the presence of the fetal cord protruding through the cervix. What should be the nurse’s first intervention?
- A. Put continuous pressure on the presenting part to keep it off the cord
- B. Place the bed in Trendelenburg position
- C. Insert a urinary catheter and instill saline
- D. Continue to monitor the FHR
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should first exert continuous pressure on the presenting part to prevent further cord compression. This is continued until birth, which is usually by cesarean section. The bed should be placed in Trendelenburg position to further prevent pressure on the cord, but only after pressure is placed on the presenting part. A catheter may be inserted and 500 mL of warmed saline instilled to help float the head and prevent further compression, but only after pressure is placed on the presenting part. The fetus is continually monitored throughout until birth.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which newborn behavior is normal and does not require immediate concern?
- A. Frequent hiccups
- B. Persistent vomiting
- C. Lethargy for days
- D. High fever
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Frequent hiccups are normal in newborns and typically resolve without intervention, unlike the other symptoms.
The 38-year-old pregnant client at 22 weeks’ gestation has just been told she has hydramnios after undergoing a sonogram for size greater than dates. The nurse should further assess for which conditions associated with hydramnios? Select all that apply.
- A. A congenital anomaly
- B. Gestational diabetes
- C. Chronic hypertension
- D. TORCH infections
- E. Preeclampsia
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: In cases of anencephaly, the fetus is thought to urinate excessively because of overstimulation of the cerebrospinal centers, resulting in hydramnios. The nurse should further assess for gestational diabetes. Hydramnios is thought to occur from excessive fetal urination due to fetal hyperglycemia. Infants with mothers infected with toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, or herpes simplex virus infections (TORCH) are more likely to have hydramnios due to the inflammatory response and fluid accumulation. Chronic hypertension is not associated with excess amniotic fluid. Preeclampsia is not associated with excess amniotic fluid.
When planning for this test, which one of the following items should the nurse have available?
- A. The emergency crash cart
- B. A cardiac monitor
- C. An ultrasound machine
- D. A fetal monitor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A nonstress test requires a fetal monitor to assess fetal heart rate and movement, ensuring fetal well-being.
To improve sperm production, the nurse should instruct the client's husband to avoid which activities? Select all that apply.
- A. Swimming in chlorinated water
- B. Sitting in hot tubs
- C. Wearing boxer shorts
- D. Wearing colored underwear
- E. Smoking cigarettes
- F. Refraining from strenuous exercise
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: High temperatures from hot tubs can impair sperm production by overheating the testes. Smoking cigarettes negatively affects sperm quality and quantity.
The nurse assesses the 34-week pregnant client (G2P1). Place the assessment findings in the sequence that they should be addressed by the nurse from the most significant to the least significant.
- A. Pedal edema at +3
- B. BP 144/94 mm Hg
- C. Positive group beta streptococcus vaginal culture
- D. Fundal height increase of 4.5 cm in 1 week
Correct Answer: B,D,A,C
Rationale: BP 144/94 mm Hg warrants immediate evaluation. It could indicate preeclampsia, a condition that can progress to serious complications. Fundal height increase of 4.5 cm in 1 week is abnormal and requires further follow-up. Normal fundal height increase is 1 to 2 cm per week. An increase in fundal size can be related to gestational diabetes, large-for-gestational-age fetus, fetal anomalies, or polyhydramnios. Pedal edema at +3 may be a normal physiological process if it is an isolated finding. Pedal edema warrants further assessment because it can be a symptom of preeclampsia. Positive group beta streptococcus vaginal culture warrants antibiotic treatment in labor but does not warrant intervention during the pregnancy.