A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn. Following the delivery, which nursing action should be done first to care for the newborn?

Stimulate the infant to cry.

Clear the respiratory tract.

Dry the infant off and cover the head.

Cut the umbilical cord.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:
Stimulating the infant to cry is an important action as it helps ensure that the baby's lungs are clear of fluid and are functioning properly. However, this is not the first action to take. The initial cry will often occur naturally as part of the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.

Choice B reason:
Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action. Immediately after birth, it is crucial to ensure that the newborn's airway is clear to facilitate breathing. The nurse may suction the mouth and nose to remove any amniotic fluid, mucus, or other obstructions that could impede breathing.

Choice C reason:
Drying the infant off and covering the head is important to prevent heat loss, which newborns are particularly susceptible to due to their large surface area relative to body mass. However, this follows the clearance of the airway, as maintaining an open airway is the most critical initial step in newborn care.

Choice D reason:
Cutting the umbilical cord is a necessary step in the delivery process, but it is not the first action to take when caring for the newborn. The timing of cord clamping can vary, and immediate care focuses on ensuring the newborn's ability to breathe effectively.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Slightly below the umbilicus is not the expected location for the fundus at 22 weeks of gestation. Typically, the fundus is located at the level of the umbilicus at 20 weeks and rises about 1 cm above the umbilicus each week thereafter.

Choice b reason:
3 cm above the umbilicus would be more consistent with a gestational age of approximately 23 weeks, as the fundus rises approximately 1 cm per week after reaching the level of the umbilicus at 20 weeks.

Choice C rationale: At 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus is typically located slightly above the umbilicus. The uterus has grown sufficiently by this stage to reach this position, aligning with the expected fundal height measurements. This corresponds with normal pregnancy progression, as fundal height in centimeters is expected to approximate the gestational age in weeks.

Choice D rationale: By 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus has already risen above the umbilicus, so palpating the fundus 3 cm below the umbilicus is inconsistent with normal pregnancy progression. Earlier in pregnancy, such as around 16 to 18 weeks, the fundus might be found below the umbilicus, but this does not apply at 22 weeks.

A. Pattern of contractions B. Station of the presenting part C. Rupture of the membranes D. Changes in the cervix

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice a reason:
The pattern of contractions can be a sign of true labor when they are regular, frequent, and increase in intensity and duration over time. In true labor, contractions do not subside with rest or hydration and become progressively more organized. However, contractions alone can be misleading, as Braxton Hicks contractions may also present a pattern but do not lead to cervical changes.

Choice b reason:
The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the baby's head (or presenting part) in relation to the ischial spines of the mother's pelvis. While the station can indicate how far labor has progressed, it is not a definitive sign of true labor. The station changes as labor progresses, but it can also be affected by other factors such as the baby's position.

Choice c reason:
Rupture of the membranes, commonly known as water breaking, can occur before or during labor. While it is a sign that labor may be imminent, it does not confirm true labor. Some women may experience premature rupture of membranes without contractions or cervical changes.

Choice d reason:
Changes in the cervix, including effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), are the most reliable signs of true labor. Effacement is measured in percentages, and dilation is measured in centimeters. The cervix must be 100% effaced and dilated to 10 centimeters for childbirth to occur. These changes are a direct result of true labor contractions and indicate that the body is preparing for delivery.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn. Following the delivery, which nursing action should be done first to care for the newborn?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to measure the fundal height of a client who is at 22 weeks of gestation. At which location should the nurse expect to palpate the fundus?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions but is stating that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not." Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a sign of true labor?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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