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 A

Explanation

A) All of the clients: Maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is a routine prenatal test offered to all pregnant women, usually between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is used to screen for certain fetal anomalies, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Regardless of a client's medical history or risk factors, the MSAFP screening is typically recommended for all pregnant individuals as part of routine prenatal care.
B) A client who has a history of preterm labor: Preterm labor history is not a specific indication for MSAFP screening. This test is primarily used to screen for fetal anomalies, not preterm labor risk assessment.
C) A client who has mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is also not an indication for MSAFP screening. The test is focused on assessing fetal health and not maternal heart conditions.
D) A client who has been exposed to AIDS: MSAFP screening is not related to maternal exposure to AIDS. It is a test focused on assessing the fetus's risk of certain congenital abnormalities.

A. Vomiting B. Tachycardia C. Hypotension D. Respiratory depression

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Vomiting: Vomiting is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. Nausea can occur but is not directly related to the epidural block itself.
B) Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. It may occur due to other factors, but it is not directly associated with the epidural block.
C) Hypotension: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a common complication of epidural anesthesia. The epidural can cause vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure. It is essential to monitor the client's blood pressure and intervene promptly if hypotension occurs.
D) Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is not a typical complication of epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia mainly affects the lower part of the body and does not usually cause significant respiratory effects.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client in labor who has had epidural anesthesia for pain relief. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a complication from the epidural block?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who asks what her estimated date of delivery will be if her last menstrual period was May 4, 2015. The nurse uses Naegele's Rule to calculate the correct EDD:

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following findings is the nurse's first priority?

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a cesarean birth due to dysfunctional labor. The client states that she is disappointed that she did not have natural childbirth. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

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 in active labor and notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?