A nurse is caring for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

The client reports a sudden gush of fluid from her vagina.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Assess fetal heart rate and activity

Perform a nitrazine test on the fluid

Administer oxytocin (Pitocin) IV infusion

Place the client in Trendelenburg position

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Assess fetal heart rate and activity.

The nurse should identify that a client who reports a sudden gush of fluid from her vagina is at risk for premature rupture of membranes (PROM), which can lead to infection, cord prolapse, and fetal distress. Therefore, the priority action is to assess the fetal heart rate and activity to monitor for signs of hypoxia or distress.

Choice B is wrong because performing a nitrazine test on the fluid is not the first action. A nitrazine test can confirm the presence of amniotic fluid by detecting its alkaline pH, but it is not as urgent as assessing the fetal well-being.

Choice C is wrong because administering oxytocin (Pitocin) IV infusion is contraindicated in this situation. Oxytocin is used to induce or augment labor, but it can cause uterine hyperstimulation, fetal distress, and placental abruption if given to a client who has PROM.

Choice D is wrong because placing the client in Trendelenburg position is not recommended for a client who has PROM. Trendelenburg position can increase the risk of cord prolapse and aspiration in this situation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Monitor vital signs and neurological status frequently.

This is because intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common and serious complication of prematurity that can lead to hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.Monitoring vital signs and neurological status can help detect changes in intracranial pressure, bleeding, and infection.

Choice B is wrong because antibiotics are not indicated for IVH unless there is evidence of infection.

Choice C is wrong because elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can increase the risk of IVH by reducing cerebral perfusion pressure and causing venous congestion.

Choice D is wrong because supplemental oxygen is not recommended for IVH unless there is hypoxia or respiratory distress.Excessive oxygen can cause oxidative stress and vasoconstriction, which can worsen IVH.

A. Administer tocolytic medication to stop contractions B. Instruct the client to empty her bladder C. Obtain informed consent from the client D. Monitor fetal heart rate and activity

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Instruct the client to empty her bladder.This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of injury to the bladder or the uterus.Emptying the bladder also reduces discomfort during the procedure.

Choice A is wrong because administering tocolytic medication to stop contractions is not necessary before amniocentesis.Tocolytic medication can have side effects and should only be used when there is a clear indication of preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because obtaining informed consent from the client is not a nursing action, but a medical one.The nurse can assist in providing information and answering questions, but the final consent should be obtained by the doctor who will perform the procedure.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring fetal heart rate and activity is not a specific action before amniocentesis, but a routine part of prenatal care.Fetal heart rate and activity can be affected by many factors, such as maternal position, fetal sleep cycle, or maternal blood sugar level.

Monitoring them before amniocentesis does not provide any useful information for the procedure.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. The client reports a sudden gush of fluid from her vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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A nurse is caring for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

The client reports a sudden gush of fluid from her vagina.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?