ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update related questions and content

Which preoperative nursing interventions should be included for a client who is scheduled to have an emergency cesarean birth?

  • A. Monitoring O2 saturations and administering pain medications are postoperative interventions.
  • B. Taking vital signs every 15 minutes is a postoperative intervention. Instructing the client regarding breathing exercises is not appropriate in a crisis situation when the client's anxiety is high, because information would probably not be retained. In an emergency, there is time only for essential interventions.
  • C. Because this is an emergency, surgery must be performed quickly. Anxiety of the client and the family will be high. Inserting an indwelling catheter helps to keep the bladder empty and free from injury when the incision is made.
  • D. The nurse should have assessed breath sounds upon admission. Breath sounds are important if the client is to receive general anesthesia, but the anesthesiologist will be listening to breath sounds in surgery in that case.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because in an emergency cesarean birth, surgery must be performed quickly to ensure the safety of the mother and baby. Inserting an indwelling catheter is crucial to keep the bladder empty and prevent injury during the incision. This intervention helps maintain a sterile field and reduces the risk of infection. Additionally, a full bladder can impede the progress of surgery. Monitoring O2 saturations and administering pain medications (A) are postoperative interventions and not relevant in the preoperative phase. Taking vital signs every 15 minutes (B) is more appropriate for the postoperative period. Assessing breath sounds (D) is important but typically done by the anesthesiologist during surgery. Instructing the client about breathing exercises (B) may not be effective in an emergency situation where immediate interventions are necessary.