A nurse is admitting a female client, age 34, who is at 38 weeks of gestation to the labor and delivery unit for induction of labor.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to implementing the provider’s prescriptions?
Ensure calcium gluconate is readily available.
Obtain the client’s heart rate.
Evaluate the client’s platelet count.
Determine if the client has aspirin sensitivity.
Review the client’s history for documentation of heart disease.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A rationale: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, often used in labor inductions complicated by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Having it readily available ensures prompt treatment of symptoms like respiratory depression or cardiac arrhythmias caused by magnesium overdose. This safety measure is critical because oxytocin use can increase uterine contractions and magnesium sulfate use requires close monitoring to prevent toxicity.
Choice B rationale: Obtaining the client’s heart rate prior to initiating oxytocin is essential to establish a baseline and monitor for tachycardia or bradycardia, which may affect maternal and fetal safety. Oxytocin can cause cardiovascular changes, including hypertension or arrhythmias, especially in clients with gestational hypertension. Continuous maternal cardiac assessment helps detect adverse effects early and adjust treatment accordingly.
Choice C rationale: Evaluating platelet count before induction is important in clients with gestational hypertension due to the risk of HELLP syndrome, which involves thrombocytopenia. Normal platelet levels range from 150,000 to 400,000/mm³; low levels increase bleeding risk during labor and delivery. Knowing platelet status guides safe management decisions, including anesthesia options and readiness for potential hemorrhagic complications.
Choice D rationale: Assessing for aspirin sensitivity is crucial because aspirin is often used in pregnancy for preeclampsia prevention. Aspirin hypersensitivity can lead to allergic reactions or exacerbation of asthma. Since the client has gestational hypertension, determining aspirin tolerance before administering medications is necessary to prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure safe pharmacologic management.
Choice E rationale: Reviewing the client’s history for heart disease documentation is vital as gestational hypertension increases cardiovascular risk. Preexisting heart conditions can complicate labor induction and oxytocin administration due to possible cardiac overload or arrhythmias. A comprehensive cardiac history ensures appropriate monitoring and interventions to prevent maternal and fetal complications during labor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Palpating contractions as mild indicates that the current oxytocin dose is likely insufficient to achieve an expected labor pattern. Oxytocin aims to induce moderate-to-strong uterine contractions, typically occurring every 2-3 minutes, lasting 40-90 seconds. Mild contractions suggest suboptimal uterine activity, justifying an increase in the infusion rate to stimulate more effective contractions.
Choice B rationale
Spontaneous rupture of membranes is a natural progression of labor and does not directly indicate the need to titrate oxytocin based on uterine contraction effectiveness. While rupture of membranes can accelerate labor, the oxytocin titration decisions are primarily based on the intensity and frequency of uterine contractions, not the status of the amniotic sac.
Choice C rationale
A decrease in the client's pain level is not an indicator for titrating oxytocin for labor induction. Pain is subjective and influenced by various factors, including analgesia. Oxytocin titration is guided by objective measures of uterine activity and cervical change, aiming for an adequate labor pattern rather than pain management.
Choice D rationale
Stabilization of the client's blood pressure, while desirable, is not a direct parameter for titrating oxytocin to achieve an expected labor pattern. Oxytocin's primary effect is on uterine contractility, and titration decisions are based on the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions, and cervical dilation, not systemic blood pressure changes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A sudden gush of amniotic fluid typically indicates rupture of membranes (ROM), which can be spontaneous or induced. While ROM can occur during labor, it is not a direct indicator of uterine rupture, which is a catastrophic event involving the tearing of the uterine wall and often presents with different clinical signs.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension with a blood pressure of 85/40 mm Hg is a critical finding suggesting hypovolemic shock, often due to internal hemorrhage, which is a common consequence of uterine rupture. The sudden loss of maternal blood into the abdominal cavity leads to a rapid decrease in circulating blood volume and subsequent systemic hypotension.
Choice C rationale
Severe bradypnea with a respiratory rate of 10/min is not a primary indicator of uterine rupture. Bradypnea often suggests central nervous system depression, possibly from medication effects or other neurological events, but is not a direct physiological response to the acute blood loss and pain associated with a uterine tear.
Choice D rationale
Palpation of the fetal presenting part in the cervical os is a normal finding during labor progression as the fetus descends. However, if the presenting part is palpated higher or outside the uterus, it can indicate expulsion of the fetus into the abdominal cavity following a complete uterine rupture, which is an abnormal and emergent finding.
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