A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 weeks of gestation and experiences a spontaneous rupture of membranes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer magnesium sulfate to the client.
Administer betamethasone to the client.
Monitor the client's temperature every 2 hr.
Monitor fetal heart rate every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Administer magnesium sulfate to the client: Magnesium sulfate is typically used for neuroprotection before 32 weeks or to manage preeclampsia; it is not indicated for rupture of membranes at 36 weeks unless there are other risk factors.
B. Administer betamethasone to the client: Betamethasone is used to enhance fetal lung maturity, most beneficial before 34 weeks. At 36 weeks, the lungs are usually mature enough that corticosteroids are not routinely indicated.
C. Monitor the client's temperature every 2 hr: This helps detect early signs of chorioamnionitis, a serious infection risk after membrane rupture, especially with prolonged rupture.
D. Monitor fetal heart rate every 4 hr: Fetal heart monitoring should be more frequent in the presence of membrane rupture to promptly identify signs of distress or infection, not every 4 hours.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Monitor the client for hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is not a common complication of bacterial meningitis. More relevant concerns include increased intracranial pressure, fever, and potential neurological damage, rather than altered glucose metabolism.
B. Perform range-of-motion exercises once per shift: While maintaining mobility is important, this is not a priority during the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The client may be photophobic, confused, or in too much discomfort for routine exercises early in treatment.
C. Place the client in high-Fowler's position: High-Fowler’s can increase discomfort and may worsen meningeal irritation. A more appropriate position is 30 degrees with head midline to promote venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure.
D. Implement seizure precautions: Seizures are a potential complication of bacterial meningitis due to inflammation, increased intracranial pressure, and irritation of the cerebral cortex. Seizure precautions are a critical safety measure in the acute phase of care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Ask an experienced nurse to assist with the procedure: Seeking guidance from an experienced nurse supports safe practice and skill development. It ensures the procedure is performed correctly while providing an opportunity for supervised learning, which is appropriate for a newly licensed nurse.
B. Delegate the task to an assistive personnel: Tracheal suctioning is a sterile and invasive procedure that requires the clinical judgment and skills of a registered nurse. It should not be delegated to assistive personnel who are not trained or licensed to perform such procedures.
C. Refuse to take the assignment: Refusing the assignment without attempting to seek help or learn is not a constructive or professional approach. Nurses are expected to seek support when performing unfamiliar but appropriate tasks within their role.
D. Identify that the task is in the scope of RN practice and perform the suctioning: While it is within the RN scope, performing a skill without training or supervision may compromise patient safety. Competence must be demonstrated or developed with supervision before performing independently.
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