A first-time pregnant woman at 36 weeks of gestation is admitted to the labor and delivery unit because her membranes ruptured 30 minutes ago.
The initial assessment indicates a 2 cm cervical dilation, 50% effacement, -2 station, vertex presentation, greenish- colored amniotic fluid, and contractions occurring every 3 to 5 minutes.
There is a decrease in fetal heart rate after the last four contraction peaks.
What should the nurse do first?
Administer oxygen via a face mask.
Apply an internal fetal heart monitor.
Use a vibroacoustic stimulator.
Notify the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via a face mask is the first intervention the nurse should do. This is because the decrease in fetal heart rate after the last four contractions indicates possible fetal distress, which can be caused by insufficient oxygen. Administering oxygen to the mother can increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus, potentially alleviating the distress.
Choice B rationale
Applying an internal fetal heart monitor can provide more accurate and continuous data about the fetal heart rate and contractions. However, this is usually not the first intervention because it is invasive and can only be done if the cervix is sufficiently dilated and the membranes have ruptured.
Choice C rationale
Using a vibroacoustic stimulator is a method used to wake a sleeping baby in the womb during a non-stress test. It is not typically used in response to signs of fetal distress during labor.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is important when there are signs of fetal distress. However, the nurse has interventions, such as administering oxygen, that they can and should do immediately while the healthcare provider is being notified.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A large, non-tender, hardened lymph node without overlying tissue inflammation could indicate malignancy. Lymph nodes may become enlarged or hard due to the presence of cancer cells.
Choice B rationale
While bacterial infections can cause lymph node enlargement, they typically also cause tenderness and overlying skin changes, such as redness or warmth.
Choice C rationale
Viral infections can cause generalized lymph node enlargement, but the nodes are usually tender and not hard.
Choice D rationale
Lymphangitis, or inflammation of the lymphatic channels, typically presents with red streaks on the skin, fever, and tenderness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a case management evaluation of the client’s home environment could potentially identify areas for improvement, it may not directly address the caregiver’s immediate need for relief from their caregiving responsibilities. The caregiver is experiencing sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying, which could be signs of caregiver burnout or depression. Therefore, immediate respite care may be more beneficial.
Choice B rationale
Employing a private duty nurse for respite could provide temporary relief for the caregiver. However, this option might not be feasible due to potential financial constraints. Additionally, it may not provide the caregiver with the emotional support they may need.
Choice C rationale
Proposing that extended family could relocate to the area to provide support is a potential long-term solution. However, it may not be feasible or practical for extended family members to relocate. This option also does not address the caregiver’s immediate need for relief and support.
Choice D rationale
Advising the caregiver to contact social services to locate a respite care facility for the client could provide the caregiver with the immediate relief they need. Respite care facilities offer temporary relief for caregivers by providing short-term care for the individual they are caring for. This would allow the caregiver to rest and take care of their own needs, which could help alleviate their symptoms of sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying.
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