A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for furosemide, which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?

Rationale:

A. Open the side flap of the sterile kit, allowing it to lie flat on the work surface: This step comes later in the process of opening a sterile field. Side flaps should be opened after the top (farthest) flap to prevent reaching over the sterile field and contaminating it.

B. Open the flap on the sterile kit nearest to the nurse and place the flap on the work surface: Opening the closest flap first risks contaminating the sterile field by reaching over it. This flap should be opened last, after the top and side flaps are already secured.

C. Apply sterile gloves: Sterile gloves are applied after the sterile field is prepared and all supplies are organized within the sterile area. Putting them on too early may lead to contamination during field setup.

D. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the nurse's body: The first step in establishing a sterile field is to open the flap away from the body. This minimizes contamination by preventing the nurse from leaning over the sterile surface.

Rationale:

• Monitor fetal heart rate: Continuous monitoring is essential after epidural placement to detect changes in fetal status. Minimal variability and early decelerations could indicate emerging fetal distress. Early detection guides timely intervention.

• Assist with administration of ampicillin IV: The client is GBS positive and in active labor with ruptured membranes. IV antibiotics reduce the risk of neonatal infection. Prompt administration is key for prophylaxis.

• Request a prescription for ephedrine: Epidural anesthesia may cause maternal hypotension, which decreases placental perfusion. Ephedrine helps maintain blood pressure. This supports uteroplacental circulation and fetal oxygenation.

• Place the client in left lateral position: This improves uterine perfusion and helps relieve vena cava compression. It is especially important after epidural anesthesia. It also supports better fetal oxygenation during decelerations.

• Decrease the IV flow rate: IV fluids help counteract hypotension that may result from epidural use. Reducing the rate would worsen perfusion and blood pressure. This could compromise fetal oxygen delivery.