A client who is in active labor is admitted with her cervix dilated to 3 cm with 50% effacement and the presenting part at 0 station. An hour later, she tells the practical nurse (PN) that she wants to go to the bathroom to empty her bladder. The nurse examines the client again and determines her vaginal exam is unchanged.
Which action should the PN implement?
Review the fetal heart rate pattern.
Assist the client up to the bathroom.
Check perineum for changes in "show" or discharge.
Obtain a straight catheter kit to empty her bladder.
The Correct Answer is B
If the client in active labor expresses a desire to empty her bladder and her vaginal exam is unchanged, the practical nurse (PN) should assist her up to the bathroom. An empty bladder can help facilitate labor progress.
Reviewing the fetal heart rate pattern (A) is important, but it is not the most appropriate action in response to the client's request to empty her bladder. Checking the perineum for changes in "show" or discharge (C) is also important, but it is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Obtaining a straight catheter kit to empty the client's bladder (D) may be necessary if she is unable to empty her bladder on her own, but assisting her up to the bathroom should be attempted first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Passage of meconium stool is a normal and expected event in the first 24-48 hours of life. The absence of meconium stool can be indicative of bowel obstruction or other underlying medical conditions, and requires further investigation and evaluation by the healthcare team. The other options are important pieces of information, but they do not carry the same level of urgency as the absence of meconium stool.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Fetal heart rate (FHR) is one of the essential indicators of fetal well-being during labor. A fall in FHR following each contraction is known as recurrent deceleration and can be an indication of fetal distress. In this case, the PN should first reposition the client laterally, as this may help to alleviate compression of the umbilical cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
A. Administering oxygen at 10 L/face mask may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
B. Discontinuing oxytocin infusion may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
C. Observing perineum for cord prolapse is not necessary in this scenario.
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