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?
Perform fetal scalp stimulation
Administer oxygen via a face mask.
Elevate the client's head.
Decrease the rate of IV fluids.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Perform fetal scalp stimulation:
Fetal scalp stimulation involves applying pressure to the fetal scalp during a vaginal examination to elicit a response from the fetus, such as an acceleration of the fetal heart rate. While this can provide additional information about fetal well-being, it is not the initial priority when late decelerations are observed on the fetal monitor. The focus should first be on interventions aimed at improving fetal oxygenation to address the underlying cause of the late decelerations.
B. Administer oxygen via a face mask:
Administering oxygen to the mother is a priority intervention when late decelerations of the fetal heart rate are observed on the external fetal monitor. Late decelerations often indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen to the mother helps increase oxygen levels in her blood, improving oxygen delivery to the fetus and potentially mitigating the effects of uteroplacental insufficiency.
C. Elevate the client's head:
Elevating the client's head is not indicated when late decelerations are observed. This position could potentially compromise maternal-fetal circulation by reducing blood flow to the placenta. Maintaining a side-lying or semi-Fowler's position is often recommended to improve blood flow to the placenta and enhance fetal oxygenation.
D. Decrease the rate of IV fluids:
Adjusting the rate of IV fluids may be considered in some situations, such as if there is evidence of fluid overload or if the mother is receiving excessive amounts of IV fluids. However, it is not typically the initial intervention for addressing late decelerations. The focus should first be on interventions aimed at improving maternal-fetal oxygenation, such as administering oxygen and positioning the client appropriately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Turn the newborn every 4 hr:
Turning the newborn every 4 hours is a routine nursing intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in infants. However, it is not specifically related to phototherapy treatment. Turning the newborn should be done as per routine care, but it is not a direct action related to phototherapy.
B. Close the newborn's eyes before applying eyepatches:
It is important to protect the newborn's eyes from the bright light used in phototherapy. Therefore, closing the newborn's eyes before applying eyepatches or covering them with eye protection is necessary during phototherapy to prevent eye damage.
C. Provide the newborn with 15 mL glucose water after each feeding:
Providing glucose water after each feeding is not a standard practice for newborns undergoing phototherapy. Instead, the primary focus during phototherapy is on feeding the baby adequately to promote hydration and excretion of bilirubin through stool and urine. Glucose water is not routinely recommended unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider for a medical indication.
D. Apply hydrating lotion to the newborn's skin prior to treatment:
Hydrating lotion should not be applied to the newborn's skin prior to phototherapy. Lotions, oils, or creams can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy by creating a barrier that blocks the light from reaching the baby's skin. Therefore, it is essential to keep the baby's skin clean and free from lotions or ointments during phototherapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client will verbalize appropriate car seat safety.
Teaching about car seat safety is important for the mother's understanding of infant care, but it is not specifically related to the taking-in phase, which primarily focuses on the mother's adjustment and recovery.
B. The client will demonstrate proper bathing of the infant.
Similarly, teaching about infant care, such as proper bathing techniques, is important but may be more appropriate for later phases of postpartum adjustment when the mother is more focused on caring for her infant.
C. The client will identify individual family member roles.
This goal may be more relevant to later phases of postpartum adjustment when the mother begins to integrate the new baby into the family unit. During the taking-in phase, the focus is primarily on the mother's own adjustment.
D. The client will have adequate nutritional intake.
This goal aligns with the priorities of the taking-in phase, which include the mother's physical recovery and well-being. Adequate nutritional intake is essential for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding, making it an appropriate goal for this phase.
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