A nurse is assisting in evaluating a client's progress during labor.
Click to highlight the client findings that indicate the labor is progressing as expected. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
Nurses' Notes
1615:
Client is in the partial sitting position and is instructed to bear down during uterine contraction. Client reports the urge to defecate. There is increased bloody show and the cervix is 10 cm dilated. Contractions 5 min apart. Contractions strong on palpation.
Vital Signs
1615:
Temperature 39.1° C (102.4" F)
Respiratory rate 20/min
Heart rate 110/min
Blood pressure 100/74 mm Hg
Oxygen saturation 96%
Client reports the urge to defecate
There is increased bloody show
cervix is 10 cm dilated
Contractions strong on palpation
Temperature 39.1° C (102.4" F)
Heart rate 110/min
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Rationale for Correct Options:
- Urge to defecate occurs as the fetal head descends further into the birth canal, putting pressure on the rectum and perineum. This is a common sign of the second stage of labor, indicating that the client is nearing delivery.
- Increased bloody show results from cervical dilation and effacement as the capillaries in the cervix rupture. A greater amount of blood-tinged mucus is expected as labor progresses, particularly in the transition phase and early second stage.
- Cervix 10 cm dilated confirms that the client has reached full cervical dilation, which is required for the second stage of labor to begin. Complete dilation allows for the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.
- Contractions strong on palpation indicate effective uterine activity, which is necessary for fetal descent and expulsion. Strong contractions help in moving the baby downward and increasing pressure on the cervix.
Rationale for Incorrect Options:
- A heart rate of 110/min is elevated compared to the client’s earlier readings (90/min at 0830, 110/min at 0845) and may indicate maternal stress or exertion from labor pain. While mild increases in maternal heart rate are expected during labor, tachycardia above 110/min warrants further evaluation, particularly in the presence of fever.
- Temperature of 39.1°C (102.4°F). This temperature is abnormally high and suggests infection, such as chorioamnionitis, especially considering the prolonged rupture of membranes since 1900 the previous night. Normal maternal temperature may rise slightly during labor due to exertion, but fever above 38°C (100.4°F) is concerning and requires medical attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client's extremity should be elevated after the cast is applied. Elevating the extremity above heart level for the first 24 to 48 hours reduces swelling and prevents complications such as compartment syndrome. Ice packs can also be applied to minimize edema.
B. The client should keep the cast covered until it is dry. Covering a wet plaster cast can trap moisture and delay drying, increasing the risk of weakening the cast and skin irritation. Plaster casts should be left uncovered to allow proper air drying.
C. The client can shower with the cast after 24 hr. Plaster casts are not waterproof and should be kept dry at all times. If exposed to water, they can lose their shape and strength, potentially leading to improper healing. A plastic covering should be used when bathing.
D. The client should use a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast. Direct heat can weaken the plaster and cause burns. Instead, clients should use a cool hair dryer setting or tap lightly on the cast to manage itching without compromising its integrity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "An incident report has been completed and sent to risk management." Incident reports are used for internal facility documentation and quality improvement but should not be mentioned in the medical record. Including this information could make the report discoverable in legal proceedings, which is why it should remain separate from the client’s medical documentation.
B. "The client fell because the assistive personnel did not place nonskid slippers on the client." This statement assigns blame without objective evidence and does not follow factual documentation principles. Medical records should include observable data, client statements, and assessments rather than subjective conclusions or assumptions about the cause of the fall.
C. "Client stated, 'I lost my balance and fell when I got out of bed to go to the bathroom.'" Including the client's direct statement ensures accurate, objective documentation. It provides firsthand information about the incident without making assumptions or assigning blame. Client statements should always be documented using quotation marks to maintain accuracy.
D. "The client does not appear to have any injuries resulting from the fall." This statement is subjective and may be misleading. A client could have internal injuries that are not immediately visible. Instead, the nurse should document a detailed physical assessment, such as "No visible injuries noted. Client denies pain or discomfort at this time."
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