A nurse in the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client who is undergoing external fetal monitoring. The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate begins to slow after the start of a contraction and the lowest rate occurs after the peak of the contraction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Administer oxygen using a nonrebreather mask.

Elevate the client's legs.

Place the client in the lateral position.

Increase the rate of maintenance IV infusion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A)   Administer oxygen using a nonrebreather mask: While oxygen may be necessary if there are signs of fetal distress, the priority action in this situation is to reposition the client and relieve potential cord compression.
B)   Elevate the client's legs: Elevating the client's legs is not the most appropriate action in this situation and may not address the cause of the decelerations.
C)   Place the client in the lateral position: This is the correct answer. The described pattern of the fetal heart rate (slowdown after the start of a contraction with the lowest rate occurring after the peak of the contraction) suggests late decelerations, which are often caused by uteroplacental
insufficiency or cord compression. Placing the client in the lateral position can help alleviate potential compression of the umbilical cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
D)   Increase the rate of maintenance IV infusion: Increasing the IV infusion rate may not be the most appropriate action for late decelerations. Repositioning the client is the priority in this situation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Maintain the client in the lithotomy position: The lithotomy position is not typically

maintained during the active phase of labor. It is used during the pushing stage (second stage) of labor.
B. Encourage the client to empty her bladder every 2 hr: A full bladder can impede fetal descent and progress during labor, so encouraging the client to empty her bladder regularly is essential.
C. Remind the client to bear down with each contraction: Bearing down during the active phase of labor is not appropriate, as it may lead to premature pushing and cervical swelling.
D. Perform vaginal examinations frequently: Frequent vaginal examinations can increase the risk of infection and should be minimized during labor.

A. Position the client on her side. B. Elevate the client's legs. C. Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid. D. Administer oxygen via face mask.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Position the client on her side: Late decelerations are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which may be improved by changing the maternal position to improve blood flow to the placenta.
B. Elevate the client's legs: Elevating the client's legs would not directly address the cause of late decelerations.
C. Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid: While ensuring adequate hydration is important, it is not the priority action when late decelerations are noted.
D. Administer oxygen via a face mask: Oxygen administration may be necessary, but it is not the priority action. Positioning the client on her side to improve blood flow is the priority.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client following an amniotomy who is now in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement with this client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

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?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 42 weeks of gestation. Based on the assessment findings, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is to have a nonstress test (NST). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions. The client states that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not." Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the most reliable sign of true labor?

A nurse is caring for a client who is having a nonstress test performed. The fetal heart rate (FHR) is 130 to 150/min, but there has been no fetal movement for 15 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following assessment findings is the first priority for the nurse to report to the provider?