A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and has just been examined as being at 7 cm of cervical dilation and 100% effacement. The fetus is at 1+ station, and the client's amniotic membranes are intact. The client suddenly states that she needs to push. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
"Assist the client into a more comfortable position."
"Observe the perineum for signs of crowning."
"Have the client pant or blow during the next contractions to help her refrain from pushing."
"Help the client to the bathroom to empty her bladder."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: At 7 cm dilation, the client is in active labor, and assisting her into a more comfortable position may not be appropriate at this stage. It is essential to observe for signs of impending birth and assess the progress of labor.
Choice B: Feeling the urge to push may indicate that the baby is descending and the cervix is fully dilated. The nurse should immediately observe the perineum for signs of crowning (when the baby's head starts to appear at the vaginal opening) to prepare for delivery.
Choice C: If the client is feeling the urge to push and the cervix is fully dilated, panting or blowing through contractions will not be effective. It is important to allow the client to follow her body's natural urges to push.
Choice D: While emptying the bladder is generally recommended during labor to provide more room for the baby to descend, the client's current urge to push suggests that the baby is likely in a lower position, and it might not be safe or feasible to move the client to the bathroom.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Assessing the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Fetal wellbeing takes precedence.
Choice B; After an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes), the priority nursing action is to assess the fetal heart rate and pattern. The procedure may cause changes in fetal heart rate and indicate fetal distress or cord compression, requiring immediate attention.
Choice C: Recording the color and consistency of fluid is relevant for documentation but does not address the immediate concern of fetal wellbeing.
Choice D: Evaluating the client for chills and uterine tenderness is not the priority after an amniotomy. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial to detect any signs of distress.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: Administering a 500 mL bolus of 5% dextrose in water is not necessary before the epidural administration, and it may not be recommended in active labor as it can increase the risk of fluid overload.
B: The duration of the anesthetic effect of the epidural can vary depending on the medication used, and it is not the nurse's priority during the preparation process.
C: Prior to administering epidural analgesia, the nurse should obtain a 30minute electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) strip to assess the fetal heart rate and monitor for any signs of fetal distress during the procedure.
D: Having the client stand very still with her arms at her side is not practical or necessary for epidural administration and could be uncomfortable for the client during labor.
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