A nurse in a hospital is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The client is placed on a fetal monitor indicating a regular fetal heart rate of 138/min and no uterine contractions. The client's vital signs are: blood pressure 98/52 mm Hg, heart rate 118/min, respiratory rate 24/min, and temperature 36.4°C (97.6°F). Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Initiate IV access.
Witness the signature for informed consent for surgery.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Prepare the abdominal and perineal areas.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
In the case of a client with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation, the priority is to stabilize the client's condition. Initiating IV access is crucial as it allows for rapid administration of fluids or blood products to address potential hypovolemia and to prepare for the possibility of an emergency cesarean section if needed. The client's low blood pressure and elevated heart rate suggest that she may be experiencing hypovolemia, which can quickly lead to hypovolemic shock if not treated promptly.
Choice B reason:
While obtaining informed consent is important before any surgical procedure, it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to stabilize the client, and consent can be obtained concurrently with other stabilizing actions or by another member of the healthcare team.
Choice C reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is a supportive measure that can be necessary during labor or before surgery to keep the bladder empty, reducing the risk of bladder injury during a cesarean section and monitoring urine output as an indicator of renal perfusion. However, it is not the first priority in the presence of significant vaginal bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas is part of the preoperative procedure for a cesarean section. This action would follow after the client has been stabilized and a decision for surgery has been made.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Peanut butter should be eliminated from the diet of a pregnant client with PKU. It is a high-protein food that contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly¹. The accumulation of phenylalanine can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and the developing fetus, including the risk of intellectual disability in the child.
Choice B Reason:
Potatoes are generally safe for individuals with PKU to consume. They are not high in protein and thus do not contain large amounts of phenylalanine. However, portion sizes and overall dietary balance should be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure proper nutrition.
Choice C Reason:
Apple juice is also safe for individuals with PKU. It does not contain protein and therefore is not a significant source of phenylalanine. It can be included in the diet as part of the fluid intake.
Choice D Reason:
Broccoli is a low-protein vegetable and is typically allowed in the diets of individuals with PKU. It contains some phenylalanine, but in much lower amounts compared to high-protein foods. As with all foods, it should be consumed in moderation according to dietary guidelines provided by a healthcare professional.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Requesting photo identification from the grandmother is a standard security procedure in many hospitals to ensure the safety of the newborn. However, this option alone does not address the hospital's policy regarding who is permitted to transport infants. Typically, only hospital staff are allowed to move infants within the facility to ensure their safety and security.
Choice B reason: This choice aligns with common hospital policies that require a staff member, such as a nurse, to transport newborns. It ensures that the baby remains under the care of trained personnel during transport and helps prevent potential mix-ups or security issues. The nurse's offer to take the baby to the room upon the mother's request also supports family involvement in the care process while maintaining safety protocols.
Choice C reason: Allowing the grandmother to push the baby to the room in a wheeled bassinet may seem convenient, but it is not typically permitted due to safety and security protocols. Hospitals often have strict regulations about who can transport babies to prevent abductions and ensure that the infant is always accompanied by a staff member.
Choice D reason: While it may be a heartwarming gesture for the grandmother to carry her grandchild, it is not an appropriate response by the nurse. Newborns should be transported in a secure manner, which usually means being in a bassinet or held by hospital staff. Personal carrying increases the risk of falls or other accidents.
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