When should the LPN/LVN encourage the laboring client to begin pushing?
- A. When there is only an anterior or posterior lip of cervix left.
- B. When the client describes the need to have a bowel movement.
- C. When the cervix is completely dilated.
- D. When the cervix is completely effaced.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The LPN/LVN should encourage the laboring client to begin pushing when the cervix is completely dilated to 10 centimeters. Pushing before full dilation can lead to cervical injury and ineffective labor progress. By waiting for complete dilation, the client can push effectively, aiding in the descent of the baby through the birth canal.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client addicted to heroin and newly pregnant asks a nurse about ensuring her baby's health while on methadone. What should the nurse advise?
- A. Sign up for group therapy sessions.
- B. Discontinue the methadone right away.
- C. Start prenatal care as soon as possible.
- D. Describe genetic testing protocol.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Initiating prenatal care promptly is essential for monitoring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, particularly in high-risk pregnancies involving substance use. Early prenatal care allows for timely interventions, education, and support to promote a healthier pregnancy and birth outcomes.
A woman who delivered a 9-pound baby via cesarean section under spinal anesthesia is recovering in the post-anesthesia care unit. Her fundus is firm at the umbilicus, and a continuous trickle of bright red blood with no clots is observed by the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Assess her blood pressure.
- B. Apply an ice pack to the perineum.
- C. Allow the infant to breastfeed.
- D. Massage the fundus vigorously.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, continuous bleeding despite a firm fundus suggests a possible laceration. The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to assess the woman's blood pressure. This helps determine the severity of blood loss and guides further interventions, such as identifying the need for additional assessments or interventions to control bleeding.
The healthcare provider is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a laboring client whose blood pressure has increased from 110/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg. Which action is the highest priority?
- A. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting.
- B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available.
- C. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours.
- D. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Having calcium gluconate readily available is crucial when administering magnesium sulfate, as it serves as the antidote in case of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can lead to respiratory depression and cardiac arrest in cases of overdose or toxicity, making the prompt availability of calcium gluconate essential for immediate administration to counteract these effects.
The healthcare provider is assessing a 38-week gestation newborn infant immediately following a vaginal birth. Which assessment finding best indicates that the infant is transitioning well to extrauterine life?
- A. Positive Babinski reflex.
- B. Flexion of all four extremities.
- C. Heart rate of 220 beats/min.
- D. Cries vigorously when stimulated.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A vigorous cry upon stimulation indicates that the newborn has good respiratory effort and is transitioning well to life outside the womb. It shows that the infant's airways are clear, and they are able to establish effective breathing, a crucial aspect of transitioning successfully to extrauterine life.
What is the most important assessment for the healthcare provider to conduct before the administration of epidural anesthesia to a client at 40 weeks' gestation?
- A. Maternal blood pressure.
- B. Level of pain sensation.
- C. Station of presenting part.
- D. Variability of fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing maternal blood pressure is crucial before administering epidural anesthesia because it can cause hypotension, affecting both the mother and the fetus. Hypotension can lead to decreased placental perfusion, potentially compromising the fetal oxygen supply. Monitoring and maintaining maternal blood pressure within a safe range are essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus during the administration of epidural anesthesia.