The nurse is monitoring a client during the first stage of labor. What finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Contractions every 3–5 minutes.
- B. Baseline fetal heart rate of 110 beats/minute.
- C. Variable decelerations on the fetal monitor.
- D. Client reports back pain during contractions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because variable decelerations on the fetal monitor indicate umbilical cord compression, which can lead to fetal distress and hypoxia. Immediate intervention is needed to relieve the compression and prevent potential harm to the baby. Contractions every 3-5 minutes (A) are normal in the first stage of labor. A baseline fetal heart rate of 110 beats/minute (B) is within the normal range for a fetus. Client reporting back pain (D) is a common symptom of labor and not necessarily indicative of a complication requiring immediate intervention.
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A nurse is performing a vaginal exam on a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes the umbilical cord protruding through the cervix. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer oxytocin to the client via intravenous infusion.
- B. Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
- C. Prepare for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter.
- D. Assist the client into the knee-chest position.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assist the client into the knee-chest position. This position helps relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, preventing compression and potential harm to the fetus. By positioning the client in knee-chest, gravity can aid in moving the fetus off the cord. Administering oxytocin (choice A) is not appropriate as the priority is to relieve pressure on the cord. Applying oxygen (choice B) does not address the immediate risk posed by the cord prolapse. Insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter (choice C) is not indicated when the priority is to alleviate cord compression.
The nurse should designate the highest priority health outcomes to be:
- A. Oxygenation will remain adequate
- B. Body temperature will remain stable
- C. Weight will increase by 30g per day
- D. Heart rate will recover to an acceptable range
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because adequate oxygenation is a critical health outcome necessary for cellular function and overall well-being. Without sufficient oxygenation, other bodily functions can be compromised. Stable body temperature (B) is important but not as immediately life-threatening as inadequate oxygenation. Weight gain (C) is not a priority health outcome in this scenario. Heart rate recovery (D) is important but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence in this case.
In addition to the bolus of fluid which medication should she be given to increase blood pressure?
- A. Ephedrine
- B. Terbutaline
- C. Epinephrine
- D. Epifoam
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ephedrine. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts on alpha and beta adrenergic receptors to increase blood pressure. It is commonly used to treat hypotension. Terbutaline (B) and Epinephrine (C) are bronchodilators that can lower blood pressure. Epifoam (D) is a topical medication for skin conditions and does not affect blood pressure. Therefore, Ephedrine is the most appropriate choice to increase blood pressure in this scenario.
The nurse is assessing a client in labor with ruptured membranes. What finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?
- A. Temperature of 100.6°F.
- B. Clear amniotic fluid.
- C. Green, foul-smelling fluid.
- D. Client reports contractions every 5 minutes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Green, foul-smelling fluid. This indicates meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which can be a sign of fetal distress and possible meconium aspiration. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent potential complications for the baby.
A: Temperature of 100.6°F could indicate maternal infection but does not require immediate intervention unless other signs are present.
B: Clear amniotic fluid is a normal finding.
D: Contractions every 5 minutes may indicate active labor, but it is not an immediate concern unless coupled with other signs of distress.
A nurse is monitoring a client who has preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate by continuous IV infusion. Which of the following findings should the nurse reports to the provider?
- A. Blood pressure 148/94mm Hg
- B. Respiratory rate 14mm
- C. Urinary output 20 mL/hr
- D. 2+deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure 148/94mm Hg. High blood pressure in a client with preeclampsia indicates worsening condition and potential for eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures, so high blood pressure needs immediate provider attention.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Respiratory rate 14mm - This respiratory rate is within normal range.
C: Urinary output 20 mL/hr - Low urinary output should be monitored but is not the priority in this situation.
D: 2+deep tendon reflexes - Normal deep tendon reflexes are expected with magnesium sulfate therapy.