A nurse is caring for a client who has placenta previa. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement for this client? (Select all that apply.)
Perform a vaginal exam.
Monitor fetal heart rate with an internal fetal monitor.
Frequently assess maternal heart rate.
Initiate bed rest with bathroom privileges.
Correct Answer : C,D,E
The correct answers are C, D, E.
Choice A reason:
Performing a vaginal exam is contraindicated in placenta previa because it can disrupt the placenta and cause significant bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring fetal heart rate with an internal fetal monitor is not recommended as it involves a vaginal exam, which poses a risk of bleeding in placenta previa cases.
Choice C reason:
Frequently assessing maternal heart rate is important to detect any changes that could indicate maternal hemorrhage or other complications.
Choice D reason:
Initiating bed rest with bathroom privileges is advised to minimize the risk of bleeding and to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.
Choice E reason:
Having oxygen equipment available is essential to manage potential fetal distress, which can occur with placenta previa.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The priority nursing action when the fetal heart rate shows a deceleration after the contraction has started, with the lowest point occurring after the peak of the contraction, is to change the client's position. This deceleration pattern is called "late decelerations,” and it is typically associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which can be caused by maternal hypotension or impaired blood flow to the placenta. Changing the client's position, such as moving the client to their side or repositioning them, can alleviate pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta, thus potentially resolving or minimizing the late decelerations.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a scalp electrode (Choice B) is not the priority action in this situation. While a scalp electrode may be used to monitor the fetal heart rate more accurately and continuously, it is not the initial intervention for addressing late decelerations.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing for amnioinfusion (Choice C) may be considered if there are variable decelerations (caused by cord compression) present, but it is not the priority intervention for late decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Documenting benign decelerations (Choice D) is not appropriate in this scenario since late decelerations are not considered benign and require immediate action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fetal hypoxemia is associated with late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing. It occurs when the fetus experiences a decreased supply of oxygen, typically due to placental insufficiency or maternal hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
Cord compression can lead to variable decelerations in the FHR tracing. It occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed, restricting blood flow to the fetus temporarily.
Choice C rationale:
Uteroplacental insufficiency causes late decelerations in the FHR tracing. It refers to an inadequate blood flow between the uterus and placenta, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice D rationale:
Head compression is the correct answer for early decelerations in the FHR tracing. It happens during contractions when the fetal head is compressed by the maternal pelvis, leading to a temporary vagal response that slows the heart rate.
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