A nurse is attending to a client in labor who is showing late decelerations on the electronic fetal monitor.

What should be the nurse’s initial course of action?

Insert an IV catheter.

Assist the client into the left-lateral position.

Apply a fetal scalp electrode.

Perform a vaginal exam.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
While inserting an IV catheter can be a part of the overall management plan for a client showing late decelerations on the electronic fetal monitor, it is not the initial course of action. The primary concern with late decelerations is that they may indicate fetal hypoxia, and the first response should be aimed at improving fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Assisting the client into the left-lateral position is the correct initial response when late decelerations are observed on the electronic fetal monitor. This position helps to maximize blood flow to the uterus and placenta, thereby improving oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice C rationale
Applying a fetal scalp electrode may be useful for obtaining a more accurate fetal heart rate tracing, but it is not the initial response to late decelerations. The priority is to address the potential fetal hypoxia that late decelerations may indicate.
Choice D rationale
Performing a vaginal exam would not be the initial response to late decelerations. While a vaginal exam can provide valuable information about the progress of labor, it does not address the issue of potential fetal hypoxia indicated by late decelerations.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Keeping the head of the bed at a 30-degree angle is not typically necessary following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. The position of the bed is usually determined by the patient’s comfort and the surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions.
Choice B rationale
Initiating the use of a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) pump for pain control is a common intervention following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. This allows the patient to self-administer pain medication as needed, providing effective and individualized pain control.
Choice C rationale
Repositioning the client by log rolling every 4 hours is a common practice after spinal surgery to prevent pressure ulcers and maintain alignment of the spine. However, it is not the primary intervention in this case.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in protective isolation is not typically necessary following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. Isolation is usually reserved for patients who are at high risk of infection or who have an infection that could be transmitted to others.

A. 5 B. 3 C. 8 D. 9

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Step 1 is: Calculate the Apgar score based on the given vital signs. The Apgar score is calculated based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color.

Step 2 is: Assign points for each criterion. For heart rate of 160 bpm, assign 2 points. For good, vigorous respiratory effort, assign 2 points. For active movement and well-flexed muscle tone, assign 2 points. For crying with stimulation of soles of feet (reflex irritability), assign 2 points. For body pink but feet and hands cyanotic (color), assign 1 point.

Step 3 is: Add up the points. 2 (heart rate) + 2 (respiratory effort) + 2 (muscle tone) + 2 (reflex irritability) + 1 (color) = 9 points. So, the correct Apgar score for this newborn is 9.

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A nurse is attending to a client in labor who is showing late decelerations on the electronic fetal monitor. What should be the nurse’s initial course of action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for an adolescent who is postoperative following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is attending to a client in labor who is showing late decelerations on the electronic fetal monitor.

What should be the nurse’s initial course of action?