A nurse is caring for a client who is gravida 3, para 2, and is in active labor. The fetal head is at 3+ station after a vaginal examination. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Observe for the presence of a nuchal cord.
Prepare to administer oxytocin.
Observe for crowning.
Apply fundal pressure.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Observe for the presence of a nuchal cord: While this is important, it is not specifically related to the finding of the fetal head at a certain station.
B. Prepare to administer oxytocin: Oxytocin is a hormone used to induce or augment labor, but there is no indication for its use based solely on the fetal head station.
C. Observe for crowning: The fetal head at 3+ station indicates significant descent, and crowning may occur soon. Crowning is the appearance of the fetal head at the vaginal opening and indicates that delivery is imminent.
D. Apply fundal pressure: Fundal pressure is not appropriate at this stage of labor and could cause harm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Elevating the client's legs is a measure to increase blood flow to the brain in cases of orthostatic hypotension but may not be sufficient to improve fetal oxygenation in this situation. The lateral position is preferred as it improves uterine perfusion.
Choice B: The client's blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The priority nursing action is to place the client in a lateral (sidelying) position to improve blood flow to vital organs, including the uterus and placenta, and prevent further compromise of fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is an important nursing action, but the priority in this situation is to address the hypotension and improve maternal and fetal wellbeing first.
Choice D: Notifying the provider is an important step, but it should not be the first action. Immediate intervention to address the hypotension is required to improve fetal oxygenation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A weight gain of about 1 pound per week is a general guideline for women with normal BMI. However, for a client with a BMI of 26.5, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy may differ.
Choice B: Gaining 11 to 20 pounds may not be sufficient for a client with a BMI of 26.5, as the recommended weight gain is slightly higher for women with a higher prepregnancy BMI.
Choice C: For a client with a BMI of 26.5, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is approximately 15 to 25 pounds. This range is specific to women with a BMI in the overweight category.
Choice D: Gaining 25 to 35 pounds is recommended for clients with a lower BMI range (normal BMI). For a client with a BMI of 26.5, this amount of weight gain may be excessive.
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