A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in labour and has an external electronic fetal monitor. The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate begins to decelerate after the contraction has started, with the lowest point of the deceleration occurring after the peak of the contraction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Increase the rate of the maintenance IV infusion.
Administer oxygen using a nonrebreather mask.
Elevate the client's legs.
Place the client in the lateral position.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the rate of the maintenance IV infusion may be a rational action in some situations, but it is not the first priority when dealing with a fetal heart rate deceleration. The priority is to address the deceleration and potential fetal distress promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask might be beneficial for the client, but it is not the primary action to take when dealing with fetal heart rate deceleration. The priority is to address the deceleration and ensure fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the client's legs is unlikely to have a significant impact on fetal heart rate deceleration. This action is more relevant in cases of maternal hypotension or when trying to improve venous return to the heart. It is not the first-line intervention for fetal heart rate decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in the lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action to take first. This position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava, improve blood flow, and increase oxygen supply to the fetus. By changing the client's position, the nurse can potentially resolve the fetal heart rate deceleration and improve fetal well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["6"]
Explanation
The Apgar s core is a s coring s ys tem doctors and nurs es us e to as s es s newborns after they’re born. The Apgar s coring s ys tem is divided into five categories : Activity, Puls e, Grimace, Appearance, and Res piration. Each category receives a s core of 0 to 2 points 1.
Bas ed on the information you provided, the newborn’s 1-min Apgar s core would be calculated as follows :
• Activity: s ome flexion of extremities = 1 point
• Puls e: heart rate 110/ min = 2 points
• Grimace: grimace in res pons e to s uctioning of the nares = 1 point
• Appearance: body pink in color with blue extremities = 1 point
• Res piration: s low, weak cry = 1 point
Adding up the points for each category, the newborn’s 1-min Apgar s core would be 6.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Vastus lateralis.
Choice A rationale:
The deltoid muscle is not typically used for newborn injections because it is too small and underdeveloped, making it an inappropriate site for intramuscular injections in this age group.
Choice B rationale:
The dorsogluteal muscle is also not recommended for newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and the muscle’s underdevelopment.
Choice C rationale:
The ventrogluteal muscle, while a good site for older children and adults, is not commonly used for newborns because it is not as easily accessible and developed as the vastus lateralis.
Choice D rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in newborns. It is well-developed and provides a large muscle mass, making it the safest and most effective site for administering vitamin K.
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