A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an epidural anesthesia block. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg, and the fetal heart rate is 140/min. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Elevate the client's legs.
Place the client in a lateral position.
Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes.
Notify the provider.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Elevating the client's legs is a measure to increase blood flow to the brain in cases of orthostatic hypotension but may not be sufficient to improve fetal oxygenation in this situation. The lateral position is preferred as it improves uterine perfusion.
Choice B: The client's blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The priority nursing action is to place the client in a lateral (sidelying) position to improve blood flow to vital organs, including the uterus and placenta, and prevent further compromise of fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is an important nursing action, but the priority in this situation is to address the hypotension and improve maternal and fetal wellbeing first.
Choice D: Notifying the provider is an important step, but it should not be the first action. Immediate intervention to address the hypotension is required to improve fetal oxygenation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Fetal movements, also known as quickening, are usually felt by the mother between weeks 18 and 25 of pregnancy, not specifically at week 24.
Choice B: While the sex of the baby is determined at conception, it is not visually identifiable on ultrasound until around week 16 to 20, depending on the fetus's position and the quality of the ultrasound images.
Choice C: The baby's heartbeat can be visualized on ultrasound as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy. It becomes audible using a Doppler stethoscope around 8 to 9 weeks of pregnancy.
Choice D: Lanugo, the fine hair covering the baby's body, usually appears around weeks 20 to 24 of pregnancy and begins to diminish later in pregnancy, not specifically at week 36.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A surge of energy: Some women experience a sudden burst of energy, often referred to as a "nesting" instinct, shortly before the onset of labor.
B. Urinary retention: Urinary frequency and urgency are more common before labor, not urinary retention.
C. Decreased vaginal discharge: Before labor, there might be an increase in vaginal discharge, often thick and pinkish, known as the "bloody show."
D. Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg: Weight gain is not typically associated with the onset of labor.
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