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.
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Immediately report the situation to the client's provider and prepare the client for induction of labor.This option is premature. The absence of fetal movement for 15 minutes during a nonstress test does not immediately indicate a need for induction of labor. Other less invasive interventions should be attempted first to stimulate fetal movement.
B. Encourage the client to walk around without the monitoring unit for 10 min, then resume monitoring. While movement can sometimes stimulate fetal activity, removing the monitoring unit is not advisable during a nonstress test. Continuous monitoring is essential to accurately assess the fetal heart rate and movement.
C. Turn the client onto her left side.This position can improve uteroplacental blood flow and may help stimulate fetal movement. However, it is not the most effective initial intervention compared to offering a snack, which can provide a quicker response.
D. Offer the client a snack of orange juice and crackers.This is the correct intervention. The sugar in the orange juice can provide a quick source of energy to the fetus, potentially stimulating movement. Additionally, the act of eating can sometimes prompt fetal activity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. The cervix is 1 cm dilated.
Choice A reason:
The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines. This statement would be documented as -1 station. Fetal station is measured in centimeters relative to the ischial spines, with negative numbers indicating the presenting part is above the spines.
Choice B reason:
The cervix is effaced 1 cm. Effacement is measured in percentages, not centimeters. It refers to the thinning of the cervix, which progresses from 0% (not effaced) to 100% (fully effaced).
Choice C reason:
In obstetrics, a sterile vaginal exam (SVE) is recorded using a standard three-part shorthand: Dilation / Effacement / Station.Dilation: This is always the first number in the sequence. It measures the opening of the cervix from 0 to 10 centimeters. Therefore, if the finding begins with the number 1, it indicates the cervix has opened to a diameter of 1 cm.
Choice D reason:
The presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines. This would be documented as +1 station. Positive numbers indicate the presenting part is below the ischial spines, moving towards delivery.
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