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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and one of the first interventions is to improve uterine blood flow by changing the client's position. Placing the client in a left lateral position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby.
Choice B: Administering oxygen is a correct intervention for late decelerations, but it should follow the position change. Oxygen administration helps increase oxygen levels in the maternal blood, which can improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, but it does not address the immediate concern of late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the priority.
Choice D: Increasing the rate of the IV infusion might not have an immediate effect on resolving late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the initial interventions.
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.