A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FHR on the external fetal monitor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Change the client's position.

Palpate the uterus to assess for tachysystole.

Increase the client's IV infusion rate.

Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a nonrebreather mask.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

When late decelerations are noted in the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, it indicates that the fetal oxygen supply may be compromised. The nurse should first change the client's position, such as moving her to the left lateral position or a hands-and-knees position, to improve uteroplacental blood flow and relieve pressure on the vena cava.

Choice B rationale:

Palpating the uterus to assess for tachysystole is not the priority action when late decelerations are observed. Tachysystole refers to excessively frequent uterine contractions and may contribute to fetal distress, but the immediate concern is addressing the decelerations.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the client's IV infusion rate may not address the underlying cause of late decelerations. While maintaining hydration is important, it's not the first action to take in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Administering oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather mask may be beneficial for the client and fetus, but it is not the first action to take. The nurse should address the position change first to improve oxygenation through better blood flow before considering supplemental oxygen.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority intervention because excessive postpartum bleeding could indicate uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract effectively. Assessing the fundus will help determine if it is boggy and if fundal massage is needed to promote uterine contraction and reduce bleeding.

B. Assisting the client to urinate is an important intervention if the bladder is distended, as a full bladder can prevent the uterus from contracting properly. However, palpating the fundus to assess the source of bleeding takes priority over assisting with urination.

C. Preparing to administer oxytocic medication may be necessary if the uterine fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage, but the first step is to assess the fundus and attempt manual intervention before proceeding with medication.

D. Increasing the client's fluid intake can help maintain circulation and prevent dehydration, but it does not address the immediate concern of postpartum hemorrhage. Palpating the fundus is the priority action in this scenario

A. "You will receive a medication through an IV for this test.” B. "You should expect the test to take about 30 minutes.” C. "You should not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the test.” D. "This test will help determine if your baby's lungs are mature.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. A nonstress test does not involve receiving medication through an

IV. It is a simple and non-invasive test that monitors the baby's heart rate in response to its movements.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. A nonstress test typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. During the test, the client will have a fetal heart rate monitor placed on her abdomen to measure the baby's heart rate while it is moving.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. There is no requirement for the client to fast or restrict food and drink before a nonstress test. The client can eat and drink as usual before the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. A nonstress test is not used to determine if the baby's lungs are mature. Instead, it assesses the baby's heart rate patterns in response to its own movements, which helps evaluate the baby's overall well-being in the third trimester of pregnancy.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FHR on the external fetal monitor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client 2 hr after a spontaneous vaginal birth and the client has saturated two perineal pads with blood in a 30-min period. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention at this time?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and is scheduled for a nonstress test. Which of the following statements should the nurse plan to make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a newborn who has hyperbilirubinemia and a prescription for phototherapy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 48 hr old and has a maternal history of methadone use during pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

A nurse is providing education to a client in the first trimester of pregnancy. What information should the nurse include regarding the cause of indigestion and heartburn?

A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 12 hr ago and is experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output?

A nurse is caring for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia. Which of the following interventions should be taken during phototherapy?

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and is experiencing continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The client has a history of cocaine use. The nurse should identify that the client is likely experiencing which of the following complications?

A nurse is teaching a client about using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to parents of a circumcised newborn. To prevent diaper adherence to the penis, what will be recommended to apply during diaper changes?