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?
Contractions lasting 2 minutes and with no rest between contractions.
Pressure on the perineum causing the client to have the desire to bear down.
Discharge consisting of clear fluid from the vagina.
Passage of a bloodtinged mucous plug.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: The first priority assessment finding to report to the provider is contractions lasting 2 minutes and with no rest between contractions. Prolonged contractions without adequate rest can lead to uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress, potentially compromising the wellbeing of both the client and the baby. The provider needs to be informed immediately for further
evaluation and intervention.
Choice B: Pressure on the perineum and the desire to bear down indicate that the client is experiencing the urge to push, which is expected during the second stage of labor, not during the active phase of the first stage. It is not the first priority to report.
Choice C: Clear fluid discharge from the vagina can indicate rupture of membranes, but it is not an immediate concern unless the fluid is meconiumstained or there are other signs of fetal distress.
Choice D: Passage of a bloodtinged mucous plug (also known as "bloody show") is a common sign that labor is approaching, but it is not an immediate concern unless there are other signs of labor progression or complications. It is not the first priority to report.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.
Routinely inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary for maintaining an empty bladder during labor. While it is important to ensure the client has a voiding schedule, the use of an indwelling catheter should be reserved for specific medical indications, such as when the client is unable to void or has received an epidural. Indwelling catheters can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and should be used judiciously.
Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.
Keeping all four side rails up and maintaining strict bedrest is not appropriate during active labor. This practice can limit the client’s movement, which is essential for comfort and progress during labor. Movement and changing positions can help labor progress and reduce pain. Strict bedrest is generally reserved for specific medical conditions, such as preterm labor or other complications.
Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.
Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial during labor to assess the well-being of the fetus. However, hourly monitoring may not be sufficient. Guidelines recommend more frequent monitoring, typically every 15-30 minutes during the active phase of labor and every 5-15 minutes during the second stage. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring may be used for high-risk pregnancies or if there are signs of fetal distress.
Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.
Checking the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration is important. This practice helps ensure that analgesics are administered at an appropriate time, avoiding potential complications such as delayed delivery or inadequate pain relief. Cervical checks provide valuable information about the progress of labor and help guide clinical decisions regarding pain management and delivery planning.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
