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 C
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: Crowning is assessed only once full dilation occurs. At 7 cm, this is premature and distracts from interventions that prevent injury from early pushing.
Choice C: Panting or blowing helps suppress the urge to push until full dilation, protecting the cervix and reducing complications. This is the evidence-based intervention recommended in labor management guidelines.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "The test will be performed if your baby's heartbeat is heard."
Incorrect: Amniocentesis is not typically performed based on whether the baby's heartbeat is heard. It is done for specific diagnostic purposes, such as genetic testing or assessing certain fetal conditions.
B. "This test will determine if your baby's lungs are mature."
Incorrect: Amniocentesis does not determine fetal lung maturity. The test involves the extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid to analyze fetal chromosomes and identify genetic conditions.
C. "After the test, you will be given Rh immune globulin since you are Rh positive."
Incorrect: Rh immune globulin (Rhogam) is given to Rhnegative pregnant women to prevent Rh sensitization, which occurs when an Rhnegative mother is exposed to
Rhpositive fetal blood. Rhogam is not directly related to amniocentesis.
D. "This test requires the presence of an adequate volume of amniotic fluid."
Correct: Amniocentesis requires a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus for safe and accurate testing. If there is not enough amniotic fluid, the procedure may be postponed or canceled.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Administer oxygen using a nonrebreather mask: While oxygen may be necessary if there are signs of fetal distress, the priority action in this situation is to reposition the client and relieve potential cord compression.
B) Elevate the client's legs: Elevating the client's legs is not the most appropriate action in this situation and may not address the cause of the decelerations.
C) Place the client in the lateral position: This is the correct answer. The described pattern of the fetal heart rate (slowdown after the start of a contraction with the lowest rate occurring after the peak of the contraction) suggests late decelerations, which are often caused by uteroplacental
insufficiency or cord compression. Placing the client in the lateral position can help alleviate potential compression of the umbilical cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
D) Increase the rate of maintenance IV infusion: Increasing the IV infusion rate may not be the most appropriate action for late decelerations. Repositioning the client is the priority in this situation.
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