The nurse observes on the monitor tracing of the client in the transition phase of labor that the baseline FHR is 160 and that there is moderate variability with V-shaped decelerations unrelated to contractions. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Prepare for delivery.
- B. Notify the obstetrician.
- C. Apply oxygen nasally.
- D. Reposition the client.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Repositioning the client to her side or to knee-chest should be done first to take the pressure off the umbilical cord. Variable decelerations usually result from cord compression and stretching during fetal descent. The fetus has a normal baseline HR and good variability. There is no indication that immediate delivery is necessary. Other measures could correct the V-shaped (variable) decelerations. Other nursing measures are used to correct the V-shaped (variable) decelerations prior to contacting the obstetrician (or midwife). Repositioning the client should be implemented prior to giving her oxygen.
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The nurse is counseling the client who has SLE. The client tells the nurse that she plans to become pregnant in the next year. Which response by the nurse is correct?
- A. “It is best to plan for your pregnancy when you have been in remission for 6 months.”
- B. “Having systemic lupus erythematosus will not impact your pregnancy in any way.”
- C. “Your chances of having an infant with congenital malformations are increased with SLE.”
- D. “You will need to be scheduled for a cesarean delivery to prevent disease transmission.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Planning for pregnancy with SLE when in remission for 6 months is correct. Pregnancy planned during periods of inactive or stable disease often results in giving birth to a healthy full-term baby without increased risks of pregnancy complications. Exacerbations of SLE can occur during pregnancy and impact pregnancy outcomes. There is no risk of congenital malformations associated with maternal SLE. However, the risk for spontaneous abortion, preterm labor and birth, and neonatal death is increased. SLE is not a transmissible disease, and there is no reason for a cesarean delivery.
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.
The nurse assesses the fundal height for multiple pregnant clients. For which client should the nurse conclude that a fundal height measurement is most accurate?
- A. The pregnant client with uterine fibroids
- B. The pregnant client who is obese
- C. The pregnant client with polyhydramnios
- D. The pregnant client experiencing fetal movement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Excessive fetal movement may make it difficult to measure the client’s fundal height; however, it should not cause an inaccuracy in the measurement. Fibroids can increase fundal height and give a false measurement. Obesity can increase fundal height and give a false measurement. Polyhydramnios can increase fundal height and give a false measurement.
An LPN asks an RN to assist in locating the fundus of the client who is 8 hours post—vaginal delivery. Place an X at the location on the client’s abdomen where the RN should direct the LPN to begin to palpate the fundus.
Correct Answer: Level of the umbilicus
Rationale: Six to 12 hours after birth, the fundus of the uterus rises to the level of the umbilicus due to blood and clots that remain within the uterus and changes in ligament support. Thus, the RN should direct the LPN to locate the client’s fundus at the level of the umbilicus.
When up to the bathroom for the first time after a vaginal delivery, the client states, “A friend told me that I’m going to have trouble with urinary incontinence now that I have had a baby.” Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. “That’s not true. You won’t need to worry about this until menopause.”
- B. “I will teach you how to do Kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles.”
- C. “Wearing a pad similar to a sanitary pad will help contain the incontinence.”
- D. “If this occurs, notify your HCP to have surgery to correct urinary incontinence.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Women of any life stage can experience urinary incontinence. Kegel exercises strengthen muscles surrounding the vagina and urinary meatus, preventing urinary incontinence for many women. To perform Kegel exercise, contract the muscles around the vagina and hold for 10 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. This should be repeated 30 or more times each day. The nurse should educate the client about ways in which to prevent urinary incontinence, not just offer information about how to manage the condition if it should occur. Surgical repair only occurs in the most extreme circumstances, after less invasive interventions have been unsuccessful.