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 C

Explanation

Choice A: While relaxation can be helpful during a pelvic examination, it is not the most comprehensive response to address the client's concerns.

Choice B: A pelvic examination is not always required for prescribing birth control pills. In many cases, a healthcare provider can prescribe oral contraceptives based on the client's medical history and other factors without a pelvic exam.

Choice C: This response encourages the client to express her specific concerns and fears related to the examination, allowing the nurse to address them directly and provide appropriate support and reassurance.

Choice D: Although offering support during the exam is important, it does not address the client's nervousness and concerns about the examination itself.

A. Retained bile in the liver results in delayed digestion. B. Increased estrogen production causes increased secretion of hydrochloric acid. C. Pressure from the growing uterus displaces the stomach. D. Increased progesterone production causes relaxation of the smooth muscle relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and delayed gastric emptying.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Retained bile in the liver results in delayed digestion: This statement is not related to the cause of heartburn.
B) Increased estrogen production causes increased secretion of hydrochloric acid: While hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to heartburn, it is specifically increased progesterone that leads to relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and delayed gastric emptying, which are more directly linked to heartburn.
C) Pressure from the growing uterus displaces the stomach: Uterine pressure on the stomach can lead to a feeling of fullness, but it is not the primary cause of heartburn during pregnancy.
D) Increased progesterone production causes relaxation of the smooth muscle relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and delayed gastric emptying: This is the correct answer. Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to gastric acid reflux into the esophagus and causing heartburn.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a family planning clinic is caring for a 17 year old female client who is requesting oral contraceptives. The client states that she is nervous because she has never had a pelvic examination. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 12 weeks gestation. The client asks about the cause of her heartburn. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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 about expected gestational changes to a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

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 an antepartum client whose laboratory findings indicate a negative rubella titer. Which of the following is the correct interpretation of this data?

A nurse is teaching a group of clients who are in their first trimester about exercise during pregnancy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is gravida 3, para 2, and is in active labor. The fetal head is at 3+ station after a vaginal examination. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?