Nokea
The nurse is assessing the laboring client who is morbidly obese. The nurse is unable to determine the fetal position. Which action should be performed by the nurse to obtain the most accurate method of determining fetal position in this client?
- A. Inspect the client’s abdomen.
- B. Palpate the client’s abdomen.
- C. Perform a vaginal examination.
- D. Perform transabdominal ultrasound.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Real-time transabdominal ultrasound (US) is the most accurate assessment measure to determine the fetal position and is frequently available in the birthing setting. US images may be used to assess fetal lie, presentation, and position in the morbidly obese client. Inspection of the abdomen can be used to determine fetal position, but because the client is obese, this is not the most accurate method. Palpation of the abdomen can be used to determine fetal position, but because the client is obese, this is not the most accurate method. Vaginal examination can be used to determine fetal position, but because the client is obese, this is not the most accurate method.
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The laboring multigravida client’s last vaginal examination was 8/90/+1. The client now states feeling rectal pressure. Which action should the nurse perform first?
- A. Encourage the client to push.
- B. Notify the obstetrician or midwife.
- C. Help the client to the bathroom.
- D. Complete another vaginal exam.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should first evaluate labor progress by performing another vaginal exam. Previously the client was almost fully effaced (90%), and fetal station was 1 cm below the ischial spines (+1). Rectal pressure is often due to pressure exerted during descent of the fetal presenting part. The client needs to be fully dilated (10 cm, not 8 cm) and fully effaced (100%, not 90%) before being encouraged to push. Pushing too early may cause cervical edema and lacerations and may slow the labor process. Rectal pressure may indicate that the client has progressed since the last vaginal exam. Another vaginal exam should be performed before contacting the obstetrician or midwife. During labor, rectal pressure is usually not due to the need for a bowel movement because intestinal motility decreases.
Which sign of labor should the nurse teach the client to report immediately?
- A. Mild, irregular contractions
- B. Increased fetal movement
- C. Rupture of membranes
- D. Occasional backache
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rupture of membranes (water breaking) requires immediate reporting, as it may indicate the onset of labor or risk of infection.
Before teaching the client about the nutritional needs during pregnancy, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Determine if the client needs to gain or lose weight.
- B. Assess the client's current eating pattern and preferences.
- C. Determine if the client knows how to accurately count calories.
- D. Develop a sample menu that includes the required nutrients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's eating patterns and preferences provides a baseline for tailored nutritional education.
While assessing the breastfeeding mother 24 hours postdelivery, the nurse notes that the client’s breasts are hard and painful. Which interventions should be implemented by the nurse? Select all that apply.
- A. Tell her to feed a small amount from both breasts at each feeding.
- B. Apply ice packs to the breasts at intervals between feedings.
- C. Give supplemental formula at least once in a 24-hour period.
- D. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication prescribed pm.
- E. Apply warm, moist packs to the breasts between feedings.
- F. Pump the breasts as needed to ensure complete emptying.
Correct Answer: B,D,F
Rationale: Moving the baby from the initial breast to the second breast during the feeding, before the initial breast is completely emptied, may result in neither breast being totally emptied and thus promote continued engorgement. Because engorgement is caused, in part, by swelling of the breast tissue surrounding the milk gland ducts, applying ice at intervals between feedings will help to decrease this swelling. Giving supplemental formula, thus limiting the time the baby nurses at the breast, prevents total emptying of the breast and promotes increased engorgement. Administering anti-inflammatory medication will decrease breast pain and inflammation. Because heat application increases blood flow, moist heat packs would exacerbate the engorgement. Pumping the breasts may be necessary if the infant is unable to completely empty both breasts at each feeding. Pumping at this time will not cause a problematic increase in breast milk production.
The 22-year-old client, who is experiencing vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy, fears that she has lost her baby at 8 weeks. Which definitive test result should indicate to the nurse that the client’s fetus has been lost?
- A. Falling beta human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) measurement
- B. Low progesterone measurement
- C. Ultrasound showing a lack of fetal cardiac activity
- D. Ultrasound determining crown-rump length
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ultrasound is used to determine if the fetus has died. The lack of fetal heart activity in a pregnancy over 6 weeks determines a fetal loss. Falling BHCG levels do not conclusively diagnose fetal demise. Low progesterone levels do not conclusively diagnose fetal demise. Crown-rump length determines only the fetal gestational age.