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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased fetal movement is a positive sign during pregnancy and indicates the well-being of the baby. It is not a concern and does not require reporting.
Choice B rationale:
Increased urinary output may be expected in a client receiving magnesium sulfate due to its diuretic effects. This finding is not alarming and does not require immediate reporting unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Increased muscle weakness is a potential side effect of magnesium sulfate administration. It is important to monitor the client for signs of magnesium toxicity, and increased muscle weakness should be reported promptly as it may indicate the need for adjustments in the dosage or administration of the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Increased respiratory rate is not typically associated with magnesium sulfate use and is unlikely to be a concerning finding in this context. However, it's always essential to monitor respiratory status, but it may not be specifically related to the magnesium sulfate treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. Heart rate 72/min.
Choice A rationale:
A blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg is within the normal range for a full-term newborn.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 55/min is also within the normal range for a newborn, which typically ranges from 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
Choice C rationale:
A heart rate of 72/min is significantly lower than the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 120 to 160 beats per minute. This bradycardia should be reported to the provider as it may indicate an underlying issue.
Choice D rationale:
A temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) is within the normal range for a newborn, which is generally between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
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