A nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation, is in active labor, and has ruptured membranes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Initiate fundal massage.
Apply a fetal heart rate monitor.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Initiate an oxytocin IV infusion.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Initiate fundal massage: Fundal massage is performed after delivery to prevent or manage uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. It is not appropriate during active labor, especially before the birth of the fetus.
B. Apply a fetal heart rate monitor: After rupture of membranes, there is an increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse or fetal distress. Continuous fetal monitoring is essential to assess fetal well-being and detect complications promptly.
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: While catheterization may be done later, especially before epidural placement or cesarean delivery, it is not the most urgent action. It does not address immediate risks associated with ruptured membranes.
D. Initiate an oxytocin IV infusion: Oxytocin is used to augment or induce labor, but should not be started without first assessing fetal status. Fetal monitoring is necessary to establish a baseline before initiating uterotonic agents.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns: An ethics committee helps resolve conflicts between families and healthcare teams while respecting patient autonomy and legal directives. This step promotes ethical decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration.
B. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures: Providing treatments against the client’s documented wishes violates ethical and legal standards. Advance directives must be honored, even when family members disagree.
C. Complete an incident report: An incident report is used to document errors or adverse events, not ethical conflicts. This situation requires ethical consultation and communication, not a formal incident report.
D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney: While families may seek legal counsel, it is not the nurse’s role to suggest legal action. This may escalate the conflict unnecessarily and delay proper ethical resolution.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "The proxy should manage legal issues for the client." A health care proxy designated through a durable power of attorney for health care is authorized to make medical not legal decisions. Legal affairs typically require a separate legal power of attorney.
B. "The proxy can make treatment decisions if the client is under anesthesia." The health care proxy is activated when the client is unable to make decisions for themselves, including temporary incapacity such as being under general anesthesia. This ensures continuity of care and respects the client’s wishes.
C. "The proxy should make health care decisions for the client regardless of the client's ability to do so." The proxy only steps in when the client is deemed incapacitated. If the client is alert and competent, they retain the right to make all decisions about their care.
D. "The proxy can make financial decisions if the need arises." A health care proxy does not have authority over financial matters. Financial decisions are managed through a separate durable power of attorney for finances, not through a health care DPAHC.
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