A nurse is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation following a spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse performs a vaginal examination and palpates the umbilical cord. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Request that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter.

Exert continuous upward pressure on the presenting part.

Initiate oxytocin via continuous IV infusion.

Place the client in the left-lateral position.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Requesting that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter is not the immediate action the nurse should take when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

Exerting continuous upward pressure on the presenting part is the correct action when the nurse palpates the umbilical cord during a vaginal examination. This manoeuvre is called "vaginal elevation,”. helps lift the presenting part off the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and fetal distress until the provider can take further action.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating oxytocin via continuous IV infusion is not appropriate when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. Oxytocin can cause uterine contractions, potentially further compromising the cord and fetus.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the left-lateral position is not the best immediate action for cord palpation. While the left-lateral position is useful for relieving pressure on the vena cava in cases of supine hypotensive syndrome, the priority here is to relieve cord compression, and upward pressure on the presenting part is more effective.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet (acrocyanosis) is common in newborns and usually resolves within the first few days of life. It is not typically a priority unless it persists or is accompanied by other signs of distress.

Choice B rationale: Overlapping of the cranial bones (craniosynostosis) requires monitoring but is not an immediate priority unless there are signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Choice C rationale: Forward and lateral positioning of the ears can be indicative of certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. This finding is significant as it can signal the need for further evaluation and intervention to address any associated health concerns.

Choice D rationale: Small, distended white sebaceous glands on the face (milia) are common in newborns and resolve on their own without intervention.

A. Scant, bright red spotting. B. Elevated hCG. C. Cervical dilation. D. Slight abdominal cramps.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Scant, bright red spotting during early pregnancy can be a normal finding known as implantation bleeding, which occurs when the embryo attaches to the uterus. It is generally not a cause for concern unless it becomes heavy and is accompanied by severe pain.

Choice B rationale:

Elevated hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels during the first trimester are a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. hCG levels peak around 10-12 weeks of gestation and then gradually decrease. A consistent increase in hCG levels is usually a positive sign of a progressing pregnancy.

Choice C rationale:

Cervical dilation during the first trimester, especially when the client is only at 12 weeks of gestation, is not normal and may indicate an imminent spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). This finding should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider for further assessment and management.

Choice D rationale:

Slight abdominal cramps can be a normal symptom during early pregnancy as the uterus undergoes changes and expands. However, unless they are severe and accompanied by other concerning signs such as heavy bleeding, they are not necessarily indicative of an imminent spontaneous abortion.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation following a spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse performs a vaginal examination and palpates the umbilical cord. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 4 hr old. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority to report to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider as an indication of an imminent spontaneous abortion?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has developed eclampsia. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement after the client experiences a convulsion?

A nurse is assessing a full-term newborn upon admission to the nursery. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who reports that her baby has yellow discharge forming at the circumcision site. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A nurse is planning care for a newborn who is scheduled to start phototherapy using a lamp. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client about caring for her 5-day-old male newborn at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and is receiving oxytocin via IV infusion. The nurse has applied an internal fetal heart monitor and recognizes an early deceleration of the fetal heart rate tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the uses of ultrasonography in the first trimester of pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and has an ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?