Pediatric HESI Practice Questions Related

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While performing a visual inspection of a 30-year-old woman in active labor, you can see the umbilical cord at the vaginal opening. After providing high concentration oxygen, you should next

  • A. massage the uterus to facilitate delivery of the fetus
  • B. relieve pressure from the cord with your gloved fingers
  • C. place the mother on her left side and provide rapid transport
  • D. elevate the mother's lower extremities and provide immediate transport
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, when the umbilical cord is visible at the vaginal opening, the priority is to relieve pressure from the cord with gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression and ensures continued oxygenation to the fetus, which is crucial for the baby's well-being. Massaging the uterus or elevating the mother's lower extremities is not the correct course of action in this situation and may potentially worsen the condition. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport is not the immediate step needed to address the visible umbilical cord; relieving pressure from the cord takes precedence to maintain fetal oxygen supply.