A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a decrease in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather mask.
Apply a fetal scalp electrode.
Change the client’s position.
Increase the rate of the IV infusion.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather mask is a common intervention for fetal distress, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when a decrease in fetal heart rate is observed.
Choice B rationale
Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide a more accurate fetal heart rate reading, but it is an invasive procedure and is not the first action a nurse should take when a decrease in fetal heart rate is observed.
Choice C rationale
Changing the client’s position is the correct action. This is often the first intervention for a decrease in fetal heart rate because it can relieve possible compression of the umbilical cord, which can improve fetal circulation and increase the fetal heart rate.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the rate of the IV infusion can increase maternal blood volume and improve placental blood flow, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when a decrease in fetal heart rate is observed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing pillows under the patient’s knees when resting in bed can actually increase the risk of thromboembolic disease by slowing blood flow and promoting clot formation.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the patient’s posterior lower legs is not recommended, especially if the patient is showing signs of a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot.
Choice C rationale
Applying warm, moist heat to the patient’s lower extremities is not typically recommended as a primary intervention for patients with a history of thromboembolic disease.
Choice D rationale
Having the patient ambulate can help prevent the formation of blood clots by promoting blood circulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The priority action by the nurse following an amniotomy is to assess the fetal heart rate. This is because changes in the fetal heart rate can indicate fetal distress, which could be caused by cord compression or other complications related to the amniotomy.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the odor of the amniotic fluid is important to identify possible infections, it is not the priority action following an amniotomy.
Choice C rationale
Providing clean, dry underpads is part of standard care following an amniotomy, but it is not the priority action.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the client’s temperature is important to identify possible infection, but it is not the priority action immediately following an amniotomy.
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