A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor. The nurse observes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the external fetal monitor. After placing the client in a side-lying position, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Decrease the rate of IV fluids.
Perform fetal scalp stimulation.
Administer oxygen via a face mask.
Elevate the client's head.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Decreasing the rate of IV fluids would not address the issue of late decelerations, which indicate fetal hypoxia.
Choice B rationale:
Fetal scalp stimulation is used to assess fetal well-being, but it would not address the issue of late decelerations.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen via a face mask can increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus, potentially alleviating the hypoxia causing the late decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Elevating the client’s head would not address the issue of late decelerations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Report of perineal pain as 0 on a scale of 0 to 10 is not an indication that the IV bolus was effective. It could be related to the spinal anesthesia, not the IV fluid administration.
Choice B rationale:
Increased urinary output is not a direct indication that the IV bolus was effective. It could be related to other factors such as fluid balance or kidney function.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and indicates that the IV bolus was effective in preventing hypotension, which can occur with spinal anesthesia.
Choice D rationale:
Report of relief of pruritus is not an indication that the IV bolus was effective. It could be related to other factors such as medication administration or resolution of an allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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