What is the most critical sign of fetal distress during labor?
- A. Accelerations in fetal heart rate
- B. Decreased variability in fetal heart rate
- C. Early decelerations in fetal heart rate
- D. Late decelerations in fetal heart rate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Late decelerations in fetal heart rate. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen during contractions. This is critical as it can lead to fetal hypoxia and acidosis, posing a risk to the baby's well-being. Early decelerations (C) are generally benign and result from head compression during contractions. Accelerations (A) are a reassuring sign indicating fetal well-being. Decreased variability (B) can be concerning but is not as critical as late decelerations in indicating fetal distress.
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A nurse on a labor and delivery unit is receiving infection control standards with a newly licensed nurse. The nurse should instruct the newly licensed nurse to don gloves for which of the following procedures?
- A. Assisting a mother with breastfeeding
- B. Performing a newborn's initial bath
- C. Administering the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine
- D. Performing umbilical cord care
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Performing umbilical cord care. Gloves should be worn during this procedure to prevent the spread of infection. The umbilical cord stump is a potential entry point for bacteria, so gloves are necessary to maintain asepsis.
A: Assisting a mother with breastfeeding does not require gloves as it is a clean procedure.
B: Performing a newborn's initial bath does not require gloves unless there are open wounds on the newborn.
C: Administering the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine may require gloves, but the primary concern is needlestick safety rather than infection control through glove use.
A nurse is caring for a patient who discloses they are experiencing family violence. What nursing action should the nurse take to support the patient and promote their safety?
- A. Provide a safe environment for the patient to further disclose their experience.
- B. Converse with the patient’s partner and ask why IPV is occurring in their home.
- C. Report the patient’s accusations to other members of the family.
- D. Propose a plan to leave the abuser today.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a safe environment for the patient to further disclose their experience. This is the most appropriate action as it prioritizes the patient's safety and well-being. By creating a safe space, the nurse can encourage the patient to share more details about the violence they are experiencing. This can help the nurse assess the situation accurately and provide necessary support and resources.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Conversing with the patient's partner and asking why IPV is occurring is inappropriate as it may put the patient at further risk and breach confidentiality.
C: Reporting the patient's accusations to other family members could worsen the situation and further endanger the patient.
D: Proposing a plan to leave the abuser today may not be feasible or safe without proper assessment and planning.
The nurse is reviewing lab results for a pregnant client. Which finding is most concerning?
- A. Hemoglobin of 11 g/dL.
- B. WBC count of 14,000 mm3.
- C. Platelet count of 90,000 mm3.
- D. Fasting blood glucose of 90 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Platelet count of 90,000 mm3. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) in pregnancy can lead to serious complications like bleeding disorders or preeclampsia. Hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is within normal range for pregnancy. WBC count of 14,000 mm3 may indicate infection but is not as concerning as thrombocytopenia. Fasting blood glucose of 90 mg/dL is also normal in pregnancy.
The nurse is teaching a client about postpartum care. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- B. It’s normal to have heavy bleeding for 4 weeks.
- C. I will call my doctor if I develop a fever.
- D. I should continue taking my prenatal vitamins.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because heavy bleeding for 4 weeks postpartum is abnormal and could indicate a complication. The client should seek medical attention if experiencing heavy bleeding beyond the normal range. Choices A, C, and D are all correct statements for postpartum care. A - avoiding heavy lifting helps prevent strain on healing tissues, C - fever could indicate infection, and D - continuing prenatal vitamins supports postpartum recovery.
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.