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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing pillows under the patient’s knees when resting in bed can actually increase the risk of thromboembolic disease by slowing blood flow and promoting clot formation.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the patient’s posterior lower legs is not recommended, especially if the patient is showing signs of a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot.
Choice C rationale
Applying warm, moist heat to the patient’s lower extremities is not typically recommended as a primary intervention for patients with a history of thromboembolic disease.
Choice D rationale
Having the patient ambulate can help prevent the formation of blood clots by promoting blood circulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the client in a lateral position can help improve blood flow to the uterus and placenta, which can help stabilize the client’s blood pressure and the fetal heart rate.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is important, but the priority action is to address the client’s low blood pressure, which can compromise blood flow to the fetus.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the client’s legs can help increase venous return and improve blood pressure, but it is not the priority action in this situation.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the provider is important, but the nurse should first take action to stabilize the client’s condition.
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