When caring for a woman with a complete placenta previa, which finding should the nurse report to the physician?
- A. BP of 95/60
- B. Temperature of 100.1°F
- C. Urine output of 40 mL/hour
- D. O2 saturation less that 95%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: O2 saturation less than 95%. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding. Decreased oxygen saturation can indicate poor perfusion due to bleeding, necessitating immediate medical attention. A: BP of 95/60 is relatively normal and not an urgent concern in this scenario. B: Temperature of 100.1°F may indicate an infection but is not directly related to placenta previa. C: Urine output of 40 mL/hour is within the normal range and does not directly impact the management of placenta previa.
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The nurse is caring for a 34-year-old gravida 4, para 3 experiencing a prolonged labor. The physician performed an amniotomy 3 hours ago to stimulate the progression of labor. The patient’s most recent vaginal exam was 8/80%/0. Which assessment finding should the nurse should be most concerned about?
- A. Pain score of 7/10
- B. FHR baseline of 165
- C. Mild variable decelerations
- D. Increased bloody mucous discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: FHR baseline of 165. In this scenario, a FHR baseline of 165 is concerning as it is higher than the normal range (110-160 bpm) for a term fetus. This may indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, possibly due to cord compression or placental insufficiency. High baseline FHR can lead to fetal complications like acidosis or asphyxia. The other choices are less concerning: A is subjective and manageable, C indicates a common response to labor and is usually transient, and D is expected after amniotomy. Monitoring and addressing the abnormal FHR is crucial for fetal well-being.
The nurse is caring for a gravida 5, para 4 who has been 5 centimeters dilated for 2 hours. The uterine contractions are every 5 minutes and mild to palpation. Which is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Administer ordered IV pain medicine
- B. Assist the patient with frequent position changes
- C. Prepare patient for epidural anesthesia
- D. Prepare patient for a cesarean section delivery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the patient with frequent position changes. This is because the patient is already 5cm dilated, indicating active labor. Position changes can help progress labor by promoting fetal descent and rotation. Administering pain medication (A) may not be necessary at this point as contractions are mild. Epidural anesthesia (C) may be considered later if requested by the patient. Cesarean section (D) is not indicated at this stage unless there are specific complications.
A patient in labor presents with a breech presentation. The nurse understands that a breech presentation is associated with
- A. more rapid labor.
- B. a high risk of infection.
- C. maternal perineal traum
- D. umbilical cord compression.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: umbilical cord compression. In a breech presentation, the baby's bottom or feet are positioned to come out first, which can lead to potential umbilical cord compression during labor. This compression can compromise fetal oxygenation and circulation, posing a serious risk to the baby's well-being. The other choices are incorrect because a breech presentation is not typically associated with more rapid labor (choice A), a high risk of infection (choice B), or maternal perineal trauma (choice C). It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring for signs of umbilical cord compression in cases of breech presentation to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
The nurse is explaining the physiology of uterine contractions to a group of nursing students. Which statement best explains the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products during a contraction?
- A. Little to no affect
- B. Increases as blood pressure decreases
- C. Diminishes as the spiral arteries are compressed
- D. Continues except when placental functions are reduced
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D):
- During uterine contractions, placental blood flow may be temporarily reduced but not completely halted.
- Fetal-maternal exchange of oxygen and waste products continues to occur even during contractions.
- This is because the placenta acts as a continuous filter, allowing exchange to happen unless placental functions are severely compromised.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Incorrect. There is an effect on maternal-fetal exchange during contractions.
B: Incorrect. Increased blood pressure does not necessarily correlate with increased exchange.
C: Incorrect. Compression of spiral arteries may impact blood flow but does not completely stop exchange.
The clinical nurse educator is providing instruction to a group of new nurses during labor orientation. Which information regarding the factors that have a role in the initiation of labor should the educator include in this teaching session? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Progesterone levels become higher than estrogen levels.
- B. Natural oxytocin in conjunction with other substances plays a role
- C. Stretching, pressure, and irritation of the uterus and cervix increase
- D. The secretion of prostaglandins from the fetal membranes decreases.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Natural oxytocin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating labor by stimulating uterine contractions.
Step 2: Other substances like prostaglandins also contribute to the initiation of labor by promoting cervical ripening and uterine contractions.
Step 3: Therefore, the correct answer is B as it accurately reflects the role of natural oxytocin and other substances in the initiation of labor.
Summary:
A: Progesterone levels becoming higher than estrogen levels is not directly related to the initiation of labor.
C: While stretching, pressure, and irritation of the uterus and cervix can contribute to labor, they are not the primary factors in labor initiation.
D: The secretion of prostaglandins from the fetal membranes actually increases during labor to facilitate the process, so this statement is incorrect.