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 D

Explanation

Choice A: Pain above the umbilicus may be associated with various conditions during pregnancy, but it is not a definitive sign of labor.

Choice B: The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault (rupture of membranes or "water breaking") can be a sign of labor, but it is not the most specific indicator.

Choice C: Brownish vaginal discharge may indicate the passage of old blood or "bloody show," which can be a sign of impending labor. However, it is not as reliable as cervical dilation.

Choice D: Cervical dilation is one of the most definitive signs of labor. As the cervix opens and thins (effaces), it allows for the baby's passage through the birth canal. Cervical dilation is an essential indicator of active labor.

A. Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mu/min. B. Initiate a bolus of primary IV fluids. C. Place the client in a sidelying position. D. Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask. E. Perform a sterile vaginal examination (SVE).

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

The correct answer is B, C, and D.

Choice A: Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mu/min

Increasing the oxytocin infusion is not indicated in this scenario. Oxytocin is used to induce or augment labor, but if the fetal heart rate tracing is abnormal (Category 3), increasing oxytocin could exacerbate fetal distress. The priority is to stabilize the fetal condition before considering increasing oxytocin.

Choice B: Initiate a bolus of primary IV fluids

Initiating a bolus of primary IV fluids is appropriate. This action helps improve placental perfusion and maternal hydration, which can be beneficial in response to abnormal fetal heart rate tracings. Adequate hydration can enhance uteroplacental blood flow and improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice C: Place the client in a sidelying position

Placing the client in a sidelying position is recommended. This position can improve uteroplacental perfusion and fetal oxygenation, especially if there are signs of fetal distress. It helps to alleviate pressure on the inferior vena cava, enhancing blood flow to the placenta.

Choice D: Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via a venturi mask

While oxygen may be indicated for fetal distress, the correct method is usually a non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min, not a venturi mask. A venturi mask delivers more precise oxygen concentrations but not high-flow oxygen, which is needed in this scenario.

Choice E: Perform a sterile vaginal examination (SVE)

A vaginal exam assesses labor progression, cervical dilation, station, and fetal position. This is important for determining whether labor is progressing appropriately or whether further interventions are needed.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse midwife is examining a client who is a primigravida at 42 weeks of gestation and states that she believes she is in labor. Which of the following findings confirm to the nurse that the client is in labor?

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.)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a healthy term newborn via cesarean birth. The client asks the nurse, "Is there a chance that I could deliver my next baby without having a cesarean section?" Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

A nurse is observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when he observes which of the following patterns?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor and is using patternpaced breathing. The client says she feels lightheaded, and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is completing a health history for a client who is at 6 weeks of gestation. The client informs the nurse that she smokes one pack of cigarettes per day. The nurse should advise the client that smoking places the client's newborn at risk for which of the following complications?

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?

A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client following a vaginal examination by the provider, which is documented as: 1. Which of the following interpretations of this finding should the nurse make?