A nurse in a labor unit is admitting a patient who reports experiencing painful contractions. The nurse determines that the contractions last for 1 minute and occur every 3 minutes.The nurse records the following vital signs: fetal heart rate of 130/min, maternal heart rate of 128/min, and maternal blood pressure of 92/54 mm Hg. What should the nurse prioritize doing next?
Notify the provider of the findings.
Ask the patient if she needs pain medication.
Have the patient void.
Position the patient with one hip elevated.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Given the frequency and duration of the contractions, along with the maternal and fetal vital signs, it is important to notify the healthcare provider immediately. These could be signs of labor progression and the healthcare provider can provide further instructions based on the clinical situation.
Choice B rationale
While managing pain is important, the priority in this situation is to communicate with the healthcare provider due to the frequency of contractions and the vital signs.
Choice C rationale
Having the patient void is not the priority in this situation. While a full bladder can affect labor progression, the frequency of contractions and the vital signs take precedence.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient with one hip elevated is not the priority in this situation. This position is often used to alleviate supine hypotensive syndrome, but the patient’s blood pressure is not indicating this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the client’s legs is not the first action to take. While it can help with circulation, it does not directly address the issue of late decelerations.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask can be beneficial as it can increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus. However, it is not the first action to take.
Choice C rationale
Placing the client in the lateral position is the correct action. This position can help improve placental blood flow and potentially improve the oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion is not the first action to take. While it can help maintain hydration and blood pressure, it does not directly address the issue of late decelerations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fetal hyperinsulinemia is a condition where the fetus produces an excess amount of insulin, and it is more commonly associated with macrosomia (large for gestational age) rather than being small for gestational age.
Choice B rationale
Preterm delivery can result in a baby being small for birth weight, but it does not cause a baby to be small for gestational age. Small for gestational age means the baby’s weight is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
Choice C rationale
Perinatal asphyxia, a lack of oxygen before, during, or just after birth, does not cause a baby to be small for gestational age. It can cause other complications, such as organ damage.
Choice D rationale
Placental inefficiency, where the placenta does not work as well as it should, can cause a baby to be small for gestational age. This is because the baby may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients from the mother.
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