While taking the vital signs of a pregnant client admitted to the labor unit, a nurse notes a temperature of 100.6°F, pulse rate of 100 beats/min, and respirations of 24 breaths/min. What is the most appropriate nursing action based on these findings?
- A. Notify the registered nurse of the findings.
- B. Document the findings in the client's medical record.
- C. Recheck the vital signs in 1 hour.
- D. Continue collecting subjective and objective data.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the registered nurse of the findings. In a pregnant client, the normal temperature range is 98°F to 99.6°F, with a pulse rate of 60 to 90 beats/min and respirations of 12 to 20 breaths/min. A temperature of 100.4°F or higher, along with an increased pulse rate and faster respirations, suggests a possible infection. Immediate notification of the registered nurse is crucial for further evaluation and intervention. While documenting the findings is essential, the priority lies in promptly escalating abnormal vital signs for assessment and management. Rechecking vital signs in 1 hour may delay necessary interventions for a deteriorating condition. Continuing to collect data is relevant but should not delay informing the registered nurse when abnormal vital signs are present.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is a chemical reaction between drugs before their administration or absorption known as?
- A. a drug incompatibility
- B. a side effect
- C. an adverse event
- D. an allergic response
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A chemical reaction between drugs before their administration or absorption is termed a drug incompatibility. This phenomenon commonly occurs when drug solutions are mixed before intravenous administration but can also happen with orally administered drugs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because side effects, adverse events, and allergic responses typically occur after the drugs have been administered and absorbed, not before.
What is the most appropriate initial action for a newborn infant with low blood glucose?
- A. Ask the registered nurse to draw another blood sample in 2 hours and repeat the test
- B. Contact the healthcare provider
- C. Contact the registered nurse
- D. Document the results in the newborn's medical record
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The blood glucose level for a newborn infant should remain greater than 40 mg/dL to prevent permanent brain damage. When dealing with low blood glucose in a newborn, the most appropriate initial action is to contact the registered nurse. The nurse will obtain prescriptions regarding feeding the infant with low blood glucose and follow agency policies on feeding infants in such conditions. It is common practice to feed the infant if the glucose level is 40 mg/dL or less. Asking the registered nurse to draw another blood sample in 2 hours and repeating the test is not the most appropriate immediate action, as timely intervention is crucial in this situation. Contacting the healthcare provider may cause unnecessary delays since the registered nurse is usually the first point of contact for immediate actions in this scenario. Documenting the results in the newborn's medical record is essential, but it is not the initial step in managing low blood glucose in a newborn.
A client in labor complains of back discomfort. Which position will best aid in relieving the discomfort? What position should the nurse encourage the mother to assume?
- A. Prone
- B. Standing
- C. Supine
- D. Hands and knees
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During back labor, when the back of the fetal head puts pressure on the woman's sacral promontory, the hands-and-knees position is encouraged. This position helps the fetus move away from the sacral promontory, reducing back pain and enhancing the internal-rotation mechanism of labor. A prone position would be difficult for the woman to assume and not helpful in relieving back discomfort. The supine position is risky due to supine hypotension, while standing may increase pressure, worsening backache.
When a nurse-midwife, performing a vaginal examination of a client who suspects that she is pregnant, documents the presence of the Chadwick sign, what does this indicate?
- A. That the cervix appears violet
- B. That cervical softening is present
- C. A positive sign of pregnancy
- D. A thinning of the cervix
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct interpretation of the Chadwick sign is that the cervix appears violet in color. This sign is a probable sign of pregnancy, characterized by the violet coloration of the cervix due to increased vascularity of the pelvic organs. It is not a definitive positive sign of pregnancy but rather a probable one. Choices B and D are incorrect as cervical softening is known as the Goodell sign, and thinning of the cervix is referred to as the Hegar sign. These signs are also probable signs of pregnancy, but they do not specifically indicate the Chadwick sign.
Which of the following arterial blood gas values indicates a patient may be experiencing a condition of metabolic acidosis?
- A. PaO2 (90%)
- B. Bicarbonate 15
- C. CO(2) 47 mm Hg
- D. pH 7.34
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The bicarbonate value is below normal (15, normal range 22-26 mEq/L), indicating a condition of metabolic acidosis.
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