A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in the first stage of labor. The nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth.
Explain to the client what is happening.
Cover the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing.
Place the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Place the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position.
Choice A rationale:
Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is important, but it is not the immediate first action. The priority is to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord to prevent fetal hypoxia.
Choice B rationale:
Explaining to the client what is happening is important for communication and reassurance, but it is not the immediate first action. Immediate physical intervention is required to prevent harm to the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing is a necessary step to prevent the cord from drying out and to reduce infection risk, but it should be done after repositioning the client to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position helps to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, which is crucial to maintain fetal oxygenation. This is the immediate first action to take in this emergency situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Vaginal hematoma is not a common complication in the 4th stage of labor. This stage primarily involves the recovery and stabilization of the mother after delivery.
Choice B rationale:
Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication in the 4th stage of labor. While blood glucose levels might be monitored during labor, the risk of hypoglycemia is generally higher in neonates, especially if the mother has diabetes.
Choice C rationale:
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, typically diagnosed during labor or shortly after delivery. It is not specific to the 4th stage of labor.
Choice D rationale:
Uterine hemorrhage is the most significant concern during the 4th stage of labor, also known as the "postpartum”. or "recovery”. stage. It refers to excessive bleeding from the site where the placenta detached. This bleeding can be life-threatening if not managed promptly.
Choice E rationale:
Dehiscence is the separation of surgical incisions, which is not a common complication during the 4th stage of labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Visual disturbances should be reported to the provider because the client is experiencing headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness, which can be signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. Visual disturbances may indicate neurological involvement and can pose a risk to both the client and the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure should be reported to the provider due to the client's symptoms and medical history. The client's weight gain, swelling of feet and fingers, and 2+ pitting edema suggest fluid retention, which can be associated with preeclampsia. High blood pressure is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, and the nurse must monitor it closely to assess the severity of the condition and the potential risk to both the client and the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Respirations do not appear to be a significant concern based on the information provided. While respiratory status is important to monitor during pregnancy, there are no indications in the scenario to suggest respiratory distress or abnormalities that require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes are mentioned in the client's medical history but do not show any immediate signs of concern. Absent clonus and 3+ deep tendon reflexes are within the normal range and not typically alarming during pregnancy. However, the nurse should continue to monitor these reflexes during subsequent visits.
Choice E rationale:
Weight gain is mentioned in the medical history but is not currently a critical finding to report. A 6 lb weight gain over 2 weeks may be considered appropriate for a pregnant client at 32 weeks of gestation, but it should be assessed in conjunction with other symptoms for a comprehensive evaluation.
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