A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and receiving oxytocin. The electronic fetal monitor indicates contractions every 50 seconds, lasting 2 min and late decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Slow down the oxytocin infusion
Administer oxygen at 2 L/min per nasal cannula
Place the client in a lithotomy position for delivery.
increase the rate of IV fluid infusion of lactated Ringers
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Slow down the oxytocin infusion: Contractions occurring every 50 seconds and lasting 2 minutes indicate severe uterine hyperstimulation, which reduces placental blood flow and contributes to late decelerations. Slowing or stopping the oxytocin helps decrease contraction intensity and frequency, improving fetal oxygenation.
B. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min per nasal cannula: Oxygen administration can support fetal oxygenation, but 2 L/min via nasal cannula delivers minimal benefit in an acute distress situation. Oxygen would be used as a supportive measure after correcting the cause of the late decelerations. The first action is reducing uterine activity by adjusting the oxytocin infusion.
C. Place the client in a lithotomy position for delivery: Lithotomy positioning is used during the second stage of labor but is inappropriate when the fetus shows signs of distress. It does not relieve uterine hyperstimulation or improve placental blood flow. Positioning that enhances perfusion, such as side-lying, would be more beneficial after reducing the oxytocin.
D. Increase the rate of IV fluid infusion of lactated Ringers: Increasing IV fluids may help improve maternal circulation, but it does not directly resolve contractions that are too frequent or prolonged. Fluids can be an adjunct intervention but should not occur before decreasing oxytocin in the presence of late decelerations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis primarily affects joints and mobility and does not directly increase the risk of developing heart failure. While limited activity could indirectly affect cardiovascular health, it is not considered a primary risk factor.
B. Hypotension: Low blood pressure reduces cardiac workload and is generally not a risk factor for heart failure. In fact, chronic hypotension is less likely to contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure compared with hypertension.
C. Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes contributes to heart failure risk through mechanisms such as accelerated atherosclerosis, myocardial fibrosis, and microvascular damage. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance increase the likelihood of developing cardiac dysfunction over time.
D. Alcohol use disorder: Chronic excessive alcohol intake can lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart muscle and increases the risk of developing heart failure. It also contributes to hypertension and arrhythmias, further elevating risk.
E. Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea causes intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic nervous system activation, and increased cardiac workload. These changes increase the risk of developing hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and eventually heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Remove the client's catheter: Removing the catheter could allow more air to enter the circulation and worsen the embolism. The priority is to prevent further air entry while stabilizing the client, not immediate removal of the line.
B. Prepare the client for chest tube insertion: Chest tubes are used for pneumothorax or pleural effusions, not for treating an air embolism. Immediate positioning and oxygen therapy are the primary interventions.
C. Place the client in a left-lateral Trendelenburg position: Positioning the client in the left-lateral Trendelenburg (head down, left side down) traps air in the right atrium and prevents it from entering the pulmonary circulation, reducing cardiovascular compromise. This is the recommended first intervention for a suspected air embolism.
D. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver: Performing the Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and may temporarily help, but it is not the first priority. Proper positioning and immediate oxygen administration are more critical to prevent complications.
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