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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Preparing for an amnioinfusion is not the first-line action. It may be considered if decelerations do not resolve with initial measures such as maternal repositioning.

Choice B reason:

Administering oxygen is a subsequent measure if initial interventions like repositioning do not improve the FHR. Oxygen is typically given at 8-10 L/min via a nonrebreather mask to increase fetal oxygenation.

Choice C reason:

Discontinuing oxytocin is important if the cause of decelerations is uterine hyperstimulation. However, repositioning the client should precede this action to quickly address potential umbilical cord compression.

Choice D reason:

This is the first action to take because it can quickly alleviate potential compression of the umbilical cord, which is often the cause of variable decelerations. It may be considered if decelerations do not resolve with initial measures such as maternal repositioning.

A. Monitor fluid intake. B. Monitor axillary temperature. C. Monitor blood glucose levels. D. Monitor weight.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring fluid intake is important for any newborn, but it is not the priority intervention for a small for gestational age (SGA) newborn. SGA infants are at risk of hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores, and monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in identifying and managing hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring axillary temperature is essential for all newborns to assess their thermoregulation. However, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. Hypoglycemia is a more immediate concern and must be addressed promptly.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. As mentioned earlier, SGA infants are at higher risk of hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can detect and address hypoglycemia early.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring weight is important for tracking the growth and development of the newborn, but it is not the priority intervention in this scenario. The immediate concern for an SGA newborn is their blood glucose levels.

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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 who is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. The nurse notes recurrent variable decelerations of the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA) Which of the following is the priority intervention the nurse should include in the newborn's plan of care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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