A nurse admits a woman who is at 38 weeks of gestation and in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

Administer glucocorticoids intramuscularly.

Prepare the client for emergency cesarean section.

Assess the odor of the amniotic fluid.

Recheck the client's temperature in 4 hr.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A: Administering glucocorticoids intramuscularly is indicated for enhancing fetal lung maturity in cases of anticipated preterm birth. However, the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is not considered preterm, and the elevated temperature is the main concern.
B: Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean section based solely on an elevated temperature is not an appropriate action. There may be other factors contributing to the temperature elevation, and further assessment is needed.

C: An elevated temperature during pregnancy can indicate infection, which is a concern when the client's membranes have ruptured (premature rupture of membranes or PROM). Before any
interventions are initiated, the nurse should assess the odor of the amniotic fluid as it can provide important information about possible infection. If the amniotic fluid has a foul odor or appears
cloudy, it may indicate infection and require prompt medical attention.

D: Rechecking the client's temperature in 4 hours is not the appropriate immediate action when an elevated temperature is observed, especially in a pregnant woman.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor tracing are suggestive of umbilical cord compression. These decelerations are often V, U, or Wshaped, and their onset, depth, and duration can vary. They are associated with cord compression, which can reduce blood flow to the fetus during contractions. Other options are as follows:

Choice B: Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency and are not related to umbilical cord problems.

Choice C: Accelerations are reassuring and suggest a responsive, healthy fetus.

Choice D: Early decelerations are usually benign and result from head compression during contractions, not umbilical cord issues.

A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty blaadder at all times. B. Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest. C. Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor. D. Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.

Routinely inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary for maintaining an empty bladder during labor. While it is important to ensure the client has a voiding schedule, the use of an indwelling catheter should be reserved for specific medical indications, such as when the client is unable to void or has received an epidural. Indwelling catheters can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and should be used judiciously.

Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.

Keeping all four side rails up and maintaining strict bedrest is not appropriate during active labor. This practice can limit the client’s movement, which is essential for comfort and progress during labor. Movement and changing positions can help labor progress and reduce pain. Strict bedrest is generally reserved for specific medical conditions, such as preterm labor or other complications.

Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial during labor to assess the well-being of the fetus. However, hourly monitoring may not be sufficient. Guidelines recommend more frequent monitoring, typically every 15-30 minutes during the active phase of labor and every 5-15 minutes during the second stage. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring may be used for high-risk pregnancies or if there are signs of fetal distress.

Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

Checking the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration is important. This practice helps ensure that analgesics are administered at an appropriate time, avoiding potential complications such as delayed delivery or inadequate pain relief. Cervical checks provide valuable information about the progress of labor and help guide clinical decisions regarding pain management and delivery planning.

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A nurse admits a woman who is at 38 weeks of gestation and in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when he observes which of the following patterns?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is creating the plan of care for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and in active labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.

Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.

Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.

Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a maternal serum alphafetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation. The nurse provides which of the following explanations about this test to the client?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is instructing a client about an amniocentesis, which is scheduled at 15 weeks of gestation. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who states that she might be pregnant because she feels the baby moving. How does the nurse classify this statement by the client?

A nurse is providing teaching about expected gestational changes to a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients who are pregnant. The nurse should anticipate the provider will order a maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening for which of the following clients?