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 D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Notifying the provider is important but not the first priority in this situation. The maternal hypotension (BP 92/54 mm Hg) and elevated maternal heart rate (128/min) suggest decreased perfusion, which can compromise uteroplacental blood flow. Immediate intervention is required before notifying the provider, especially if positioning can restore circulation and fetal oxygenation. Waiting to call without correcting the underlying cause may result in fetal distress or worsening maternal status.
Choice B rationale: While uncontrolled pain may contribute to elevated maternal heart rate, the hypotension and tachycardia suggest a more urgent hemodynamic imbalance. Pain management may become appropriate after stabilizing maternal circulation. Focusing on pain relief first delays essential interventions to improve perfusion, risking fetal compromise due to inadequate uteroplacental oxygen delivery. The fetal heart rate of 130/min is reassuring, but maternal circulation must be prioritized to sustain it.
Choice C rationale: A full bladder can contribute to uterine displacement, but there is no indication in the scenario that bladder distention is an issue. Voiding may be done later but does not address the immediate concern of maternal hypotension and compensatory tachycardia. Uteroplacental perfusion depends heavily on maternal blood pressure, and bladder status has secondary importance in the acute phase of circulatory compromise.
Choice D rationale: Elevating one hip improves venous return and cardiac output by relieving pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is compressed by the gravid uterus in the supine position. This correction reduces hypotension and restores uteroplacental perfusion. The maneuver is a first-line response for maternal hypotension in labor, helping stabilize both mother and fetus quickly. Fetal oxygen delivery depends on adequate maternal perfusion, which this position supports.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Massaging the fundus is not necessary in this case. The fundus is firm, which indicates that the uterus is well contracted and there is no risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Massaging a well- contracted uterus can lead to uterine involution or even inversion.
Choice B rationale
Having the patient urinate is the correct action. A displaced fundus can be a sign of a full bladder. The bladder can push the uterus to the side and prevent it from contracting properly. By emptying the bladder, the uterus can return to its proper position and continue to contract to prevent bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Inserting a urinary catheter is not the first step. The nurse should first ask the patient to urinate. If the patient is unable to urinate, then a catheter may be necessary.
Choice D rationale
Administering an analgesic is not related to the position of the fundus. Pain management is important in postpartum care, but it is not the reason for a displaced fundus.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Betamethasone does not typically increase the fetal heart rate14.
Choice B rationale
Betamethasone is often given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth to promote fetal lung maturity. It helps speed up the development of the baby’s lungs and other organs14.
Choice C rationale
Betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions14.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone does not halt cervical dilation14.
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