A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has a spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse notes that the umbilical cord is protruding from the client's vagina.
After calling for help, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part.
Administer a tocolytic medication.
Apply oxygen via facemask to the client.
Wrap the cord in a sterile towel and moisten with warm sterile normal saline.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part to relieve cord compression, which is the immediate priority in this emergency situation.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a tocolytic medication is not the immediate priority. It may be done later to inhibit uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale:
Applying oxygen to the client is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the cord in a sterile towel and moistening with warm sterile normal saline is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
BUN is within the normal range (10 to 20 mg/dL), so it's not an indication of a potential complication.
Choice B rationale:
Potassium is slightly below the normal range (3.5 to 5 mEq/L), indicating potential hypokalemia, which can be a complication.
Choice C rationale:
Hct is at the upper limit of the normal range (33% to 49%), but still within normal, so it's not a complication.
Choice D rationale:
Weight loss of 2 kg in 1 month during pregnancy is concerning and could indicate a complication such as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Choice E rationale:
Heart rate is slightly elevated, which could indicate dehydration, a potential complication.
Choice F rationale:
Sodium is slightly below the normal range (136 to 145 mEq/L), but this alone is not typically a complication of pregnancy.
Choice G rationale:
Hgb is within the normal range (11 to 16 g/dL), so it's not a complication.
Choice H rationale:
Urine-specific gravity is above the normal range (1.005 to 1.030), indicating potential dehydration, a complication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A depressed anterior fontanel is not typically caused by forceps-assisted birth. It can indicate dehydration or intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Uneven gluteal skinfolds could suggest developmental dysplasia of the hip, not a forceps injury.
Choice C rationale:
Epicanthal folds are a normal characteristic in many populations and are not related to birth injuries.
Choice D rationale:
Facial asymmetry can occur due to pressure from the forceps on the facial nerves during delivery.
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.