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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: The client's symptoms of lightheadedness and tingling fingers indicate that she may be hyperventilating, which can occur when patternpaced breathing is too rapid. Breathing into a paper bag can help the client rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help correct the respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.
Choice B: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula may not address the underlying issue of hyperventilation. It is more appropriate to assist the client in slowing down her breathing pattern.
Choice C: Tucking the chin to the chest is not relevant to the client's symptoms of hyperventilation.
Choice D: Instructing the client to increase her respiratory rate would exacerbate the hyperventilation, leading to more symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Immediately report the situation to the client's provider and prepare the client for induction of labor.This option is premature. The absence of fetal movement for 15 minutes during a nonstress test does not immediately indicate a need for induction of labor. Other less invasive interventions should be attempted first to stimulate fetal movement.
B. Encourage the client to walk around without the monitoring unit for 10 min, then resume monitoring. While movement can sometimes stimulate fetal activity, removing the monitoring unit is not advisable during a nonstress test. Continuous monitoring is essential to accurately assess the fetal heart rate and movement.
C. Turn the client onto her left side.This position can improve uteroplacental blood flow and may help stimulate fetal movement. However, it is not the most effective initial intervention compared to offering a snack, which can provide a quicker response.
D. Offer the client a snack of orange juice and crackers.This is the correct intervention. The sugar in the orange juice can provide a quick source of energy to the fetus, potentially stimulating movement. Additionally, the act of eating can sometimes prompt fetal activity.
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