A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action following this procedure?
Evaluate the client for signs of infection.
Check the fetal heart rate pattern.
Observe the color and consistency of amniotic fluid.
Take the client's temperature.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
The priority nursing action after an amniotomy is to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. While evaluating the client for signs of infection is important, it is not the immediate priority. Infection can be a concern after any invasive procedure, but checking the fetal heart rate pattern takes precedence to assess the baby's condition immediately after the amniotomy.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the fetal heart rate pattern is the priority because it helps to monitor the baby's well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress. Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membrane, and it can sometimes lead to changes in the baby's heart rate, which may indicate distress or other complications. Identifying and addressing these changes
promptly is crucial for the baby's safety.
Choice C rationale:
Observing the color and consistency of amniotic fluid is essential to assess for any abnormalities or meconium staining, which could indicate fetal distress or potential issues. However, this action should follow the immediate concern of checking the fetal heart rate pattern since fetal distress takes priority over amniotic fluid characteristics.
Choice D rationale:
Taking the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Monitoring the client's temperature is a routine nursing action to detect any signs of infection. However, the priority in this situation is to ensure the baby's well-being through fetal heart rate assessment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 36 weeks gestation is indicative of placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to bleeding as the cervix begins to efface and dilate. The bright red color of the blood is due to its fresh origin from the exposed placental vessels. This condition is painless because the bleeding occurs without uterine contractions.
Choice B rationale:
Preterm labor is not the correct answer in this scenario. Preterm labor refers to the onset of regular uterine contractions leading to cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation. In this case, the key indicator is painless bleeding, which is not associated with uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale:
Threatened abortion is also not the correct answer. Threatened abortion is the term used when a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding, but the cervix is closed, indicating that there is still a chance for the pregnancy to continue. However, the bleeding in placenta previa is unrelated to fetal viability and is specifically caused by the placental position.
Choice D rationale:
Abruptio placentae is not the correct answer either. Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is a condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can cause painful bleeding due to the blood being trapped between the placenta and uterine wall. In the given scenario, the bleeding is described as painless, which does not align with the characteristics of abruptio placentae.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 100/min for a 10-minute period is considered within the normal range. The normal fetal heart rate can range from 110 to 160 beats per minute, and a rate of 100 is not concerning.
Choice B rationale:
The resting period of a contraction refers to the time between contractions when the uterus is relaxed. A resting period of 35 seconds is also considered normal. In labor, the resting period between contractions allows the placenta to receive oxygen and nutrients, and 35 seconds is a rationaleable duration.
Choice C rationale:
A contraction lasting 85 seconds is abnormal and should be reported to the provider. Normally, contractions last around 60-90 seconds, but an 85-second contraction may indicate uterine hyperactivity or other issues that could potentially affect the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Choice D rationale:
Having four contractions in a 10-minute period is considered normal during labor. In fact, an average pattern includes 3-5 contractions within a 10-minute window, so this finding is not a cause for concern.
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