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, what should you do 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, the priority is to relieve pressure from the umbilical cord protruding from the vaginal opening by gently pushing it back inside using your gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression, maintains blood flow to the fetus, and ensures fetal oxygenation. Massaging the uterus (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it can potentially worsen the cord compression. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport (Choice C) can be considered after relieving the pressure on the cord. Elevating the mother's lower extremities and providing immediate transport (Choice D) is not the correct approach when dealing with a visible umbilical cord; instead, the focus should be on relieving pressure from the cord to prevent fetal compromise.