A nurse is assisting in the care of a client in the intrapartum unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Increase the rate of maintenance IV fluid.
Assist the client to a lateral position.
Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 2L.
Administer misoprostol.
Notify the primary health care provider of fetal heart rate changes.
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A rationale: Increasing the rate of maintenance IV fluids improves maternal intravascular volume and enhances uteroplacental perfusion. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency, where fetal oxygenation is compromised during contractions. By increasing fluid volume, the nurse can help optimize cardiac output and improve oxygen delivery to the fetus, potentially reducing the frequency or severity of late decelerations.
Choice B rationale: Assisting the client into a lateral position, preferably left lateral, helps relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava and improves venous return. This position enhances uteroplacental blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. It is a first-line intervention for late decelerations, as it can reduce fetal hypoxia by improving maternal-fetal circulation without requiring pharmacologic measures.
Choice C rationale: Oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L is insufficient to address fetal distress. When supplemental oxygen is indicated for intrauterine resuscitation, it should be administered via a non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min to maximize maternal oxygenation and fetal oxygen delivery. A nasal cannula at 2 L does not provide the high concentration needed to improve fetal oxygenation during late decelerations.
Choice D rationale: Misoprostol is a prostaglandin used for cervical ripening and labor induction. It is contraindicated in the presence of fetal distress, such as late decelerations, because it can cause uterine hyperstimulation and worsen fetal hypoxia. Administering misoprostol in this context could exacerbate the situation and increase the risk of adverse outcomes for the fetus.
Choice E rationale: Notifying the primary health care provider is essential when late decelerations are observed, as they indicate potential fetal compromise. Timely communication allows for further evaluation and potential interventions, such as adjusting oxytocin, initiating intrauterine resuscitation, or preparing for operative delivery if the fetal status does not improve. This action ensures collaborative and responsive care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium that can colonize the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Screening for GBS is typically performed between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, not 36 weeks exactly, using a vaginal and rectal swab culture. This timing allows for identification and treatment with intrapartum antibiotics, such as penicillin or ampicillin, to prevent vertical transmission to the newborn during labor and delivery, which can lead to serious neonatal infections like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.
Choice B rationale
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is a blood test typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, with optimal timing around 16 to 18 weeks. It is used to screen for potential chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects. Performing this screening at 6 weeks of gestation would be too early, as the levels of alpha-fetoprotein would not be sufficiently elevated or stable enough to provide accurate and reliable diagnostic or screening information for fetal anomalies.
Choice C rationale
Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is generally performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This period allows for the detection of glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy, often due to increasing insulin resistance caused by placental hormones. Screening at 12 weeks of gestation would be too early, as the physiological changes leading to GDM typically manifest later in pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
While regular urine specimens are important throughout pregnancy to screen for conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes, the frequency of "every 2 months" for a clean-catch urine specimen is not a standard routine. Typically, a urine specimen is collected at each prenatal visit, which is often more frequent than every 2 months, especially as pregnancy progresses. This allows for ongoing monitoring of various parameters.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Progestin-only birth control pills are preferred during lactation because they do not contain estrogen, which can decrease milk supply. Progestin-only pills provide effective contraception without negatively impacting the quality or quantity of breast milk. This allows the client to continue breastfeeding while effectively preventing unintended pregnancy, promoting both maternal and infant health.
Choice B rationale
While breastfeeding can delay the return of ovulation, it is not a reliable method of contraception on its own, especially as the frequency of feedings decreases or if supplements are introduced. Lactational amenorrhea is only highly effective under strict conditions, and relying solely on it for birth control carries a significant risk of unintended pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Birth control pills are not absolutely contraindicated for breastfeeding clients. Certain types, specifically progestin-only pills, are safe and recommended. Estrogen-containing pills are generally avoided due to their potential to reduce milk supply. Therefore, stating all birth control pills are contraindicated is an inaccurate and overly broad statement.
Choice D rationale
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that taking birth control pills while breastfeeding increases the risk for breast cancer. The impact of hormonal contraception on breast cancer risk is complex and generally linked to combined oral contraceptives, with no clear association for progestin-only pills. This statement is a misinformation that can cause undue alarm.
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