Uncontrolled maternal hyperventilation during labor results in
- A. metabolic acidosis.
- B. metabolic alkalosis.
- C. respiratory acidosis.
- D. respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Uncontrolled maternal hyperventilation during labor leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide, causing a decrease in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). This results in respiratory alkalosis, as the pH of the blood increases due to a decrease in PaCO2. Metabolic acidosis (Option A) would be associated with conditions such as lactic acidosis, while metabolic alkalosis (Option B) would involve excessive loss of acid or gain of base, but in this case, the primary effect is on the respiratory system. Respiratory acidosis (Option C) would be characterized by an increase in PaCO2 leading to a decrease in pH, which is the opposite of what occurs in maternal hyperventilation.
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While attending the delivery of a patient with GODM, the nurse notices the retraction of the fetal head onto the perineum. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Apply fundal pressure
- B. Assist the woman to left lateral position
- C. Flex the mother to left lateral position
- D. Assist the woman to hands-and-knees position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The retraction of the fetal head onto the perineum during labor can be indicative of shoulder dystocia or other obstructive complications, requiring immediate action. The best response is to assist the mother into hands-and-knees position, which can relieve pressure on the perineum and help with fetal descent.
The nurse is caring for a patient during induction of labor. The oxytocin is currently infusing at 6 mU/min. The fetal heart tracing displays a 130 baseline, moderate variability, and no accelerations or decelerations. Uterine contractions have been every 2 minutes for the last 30 minutes. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Reduce the oxytocin infusion to 3 mU/min
- B. Delay the next scheduled oxytocin increase
- C. Maintain infusion at 6 mU/min
- D. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The fetal heart rate (FHR) is stable, with moderate variability and no decelerations, indicating that the fetus is not in distress. The contractions are occurring at appropriate intervals, so the nurse should maintain the current oxytocin infusion to continue labor progression.
The nurse is caring for a patient during induction of labor. The oxytocin is currently infusing at 6 mU/min. The fetal heart tracing displays a 130 baseline, moderate variability, and no accelerations or decelerations. Uterine contractions have been every 2 minutes for the last 30 minutes. What is the nurse’s next best action?
- A. Reduce the oxytocin infusion to 3 mU/min
- B. Delay the next scheduled oxytocin increase
- C. Maintain infusion at 6 mU/min
- D. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The fetal heart rate (FHR) is stable, with moderate variability and no decelerations, indicating that the fetus is not in distress. The contractions are occurring at appropriate intervals, so the nurse should maintain the current oxytocin infusion to continue labor progression.
When should the nurse consider suggesting a doula?
- A. when the patient asks for an epidural
- B. if the nurse is unable to support the patient
- C. when the support person is in the military and cannot attend the birth
- D. if the patient is going to have an emergency cesarean birth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should consider suggesting a doula if they are unable to provide adequate support to the patient. A doula can offer emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother during labor and childbirth. If the nurse is busy with other tasks or unable to provide continuous support, a doula can step in to ensure the patient receives the support she needs. This can lead to a more positive childbirth experience for the patient.
Which is the best explanation for the use of hydration and relaxation in the treatment of hypertonic labor?
- A. Hydration promotes uterine relaxation by diluting endogenous oxytocin.
- B. Hydration improves uterine coordination by increasing perfusion.
- C. Hydration encourages contraction regulation by stimulating catecholamine release.
- D. Hydration stimulates the production of prostaglandins to relax the uterus.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydration helps to dilute endogenous oxytocin, which can reduce uterine contractions and relax the uterus. Hypertonic labor involves excessive uterine contractions, and hydration can counteract this by regulating contractions and improving perfusion, which ultimately aids in a more coordinated and effective labor progression.