A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing uterine atony immediately following delivery. The client fails to respond to oxytocin administration. The nurse should anticipate the use of which of the following medications?

Choice A rationale:

Requesting that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter is not the immediate action the nurse should take when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

Exerting continuous upward pressure on the presenting part is the correct action when the nurse palpates the umbilical cord during a vaginal examination. This manoeuvre is called "vaginal elevation,”. helps lift the presenting part off the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and fetal distress until the provider can take further action.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating oxytocin via continuous IV infusion is not appropriate when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. Oxytocin can cause uterine contractions, potentially further compromising the cord and fetus.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the left-lateral position is not the best immediate action for cord palpation. While the left-lateral position is useful for relieving pressure on the vena cava in cases of supine hypotensive syndrome, the priority here is to relieve cord compression, and upward pressure on the presenting part is more effective.

Choice A rationale:

This manifestation, urine output of 20 mL/hr, is an adverse reaction to magnesium sulfate administration. Magnesium sulfate can lead to decreased urine output, and it is essential for the nurse to monitor the client's urinary output closely. Low urine output may indicate decreased kidney function, which can be a sign of magnesium toxicity.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension is expected in a client with preeclampsia, and magnesium sulfate is used to help manage and prevent seizures in these cases. While it is essential to monitor and manage hypertension during pregnancy, it is not considered an adverse reaction to magnesium sulfate.

Choice C rationale:

Hyperglycemia is not a common adverse reaction to magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate may cause central nervous system depression, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression, but it does not typically cause hyperglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for an adult and is not indicative of an adverse reaction to magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression at higher doses, but a respiratory rate of 16/min does not raise immediate concerns.