A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor when the client's membranes rupture. The fetal monitor tracing shows late decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
Turn the client onto her side.
Increase the client's IV fluid infusion rate.
Administer oxygen to the client.
Palpate the client's uterus.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A:The priority action when the fetal monitor tracing shows late decelerations after the client's membranes rupture is to turn the client onto her side. This position change helps relieve pressure on the vena cava and improves blood flow to the fetus.
Choice B: Increasing the client's IV fluid infusion rate is not the first priority in this situation, as late decelerations are primarily related to uteroplacental insufficiency rather than maternal hydration status.
Choice C: Administering oxygen to the client is important, but turning the client onto her side should be the first action to improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice D: Palpating the client's uterus is not the first priority in the presence of late
decelerations. The focus should be on relieving the compression on the vena cava and improving fetal oxygenation by changing the client's position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. The cervix is 1 cm dilated.
Choice A reason:
The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines. This statement would be documented as -1 station. Fetal station is measured in centimeters relative to the ischial spines, with negative numbers indicating the presenting part is above the spines.
Choice B reason:
The cervix is effaced 1 cm. Effacement is measured in percentages, not centimeters. It refers to the thinning of the cervix, which progresses from 0% (not effaced) to 100% (fully effaced).
Choice C reason:
The cervix is 1 cm dilated. This means the cervix has opened 1 cm, which is a common measurement during early labor. Cervical dilation ranges from 0 cm (closed) to 10 cm (fully dilated).
Choice D reason:
The presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines. This would be documented as +1 station. Positive numbers indicate the presenting part is below the ischial spines, moving towards delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: The client should not lie on her back during the NST because the supine position can compress the vena cava and reduce blood flow to the placenta and the baby. The NST is typically done with the client in a semireclined or left lateral position to ensure optimal blood flow to the baby.
Choice B: Monitoring the baby's heart rate is a correct statement and a standard part of the NST procedure.
Choice C: The duration mentioned (20 to 30 minutes) is accurate for the average NST timeframe.
Choice D: Scheduling the NST when the baby is usually active is also a correct statement, as fetal movement during the test is an important aspect of evaluating fetal wellbeing.
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