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?

Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate action the nurse should take. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is often released following spinal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so a positive glucose test would confirm it is CSF.
Choice B rationale
Replacing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While it is important to manage the drainage and prevent infection, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While this can be part of ongoing wound care and monitoring, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.

Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is an important step, but it should not be the immediate action. The nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is, as it could indicate a complication from the surgery.

Choice A rationale
While regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important in managing diabetes, checking every four to six hours every day may not be necessary for all patients. The frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be individualized based on the type and severity of the diabetes, the patient’s blood glucose control, and the patient’s specific needs.
Choice B rationale

Keeping diabetic medication on schedule as prescribed is crucial in managing blood glucose levels and preventing complications related to diabetes. This indicates that the patient has understood the importance of medication adherence in diabetes management.
Choice C rationale
While it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption, restricting alcoholic beverages to no more than 1-2 per week is not a standard guideline for all patients with diabetes. The effects of alcohol on blood glucose levels can vary depending on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the presence of food, and the individual’s overall diabetes management.
Choice D rationale
Limiting daily fat intake to 15% of total calories is not a standard recommendation for patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends individualized medical nutrition therapy to manage diabetes, which may include monitoring carbohydrate intake and considering the quality of fats and proteins in the diet.