A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor.The nurse notes that the umbilical cord is protruding from the client’s vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer a tocolytic medication
Wrap the cord in a sterile towel and moisten with warm sterile normal saline
Apply oxygen via facemask to the client
Exert upward pressure on the presenting part
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Exert upward pressure on the presenting part.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a tocolytic medication can help reduce uterine contractions, but it is not the immediate priority in this emergency situation. The primary goal is to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord to restore blood flow to the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
Wrapping the cord in a sterile towel moistened with warm sterile normal saline is important to prevent the cord from drying out and to maintain its temperature. However, this action does not address the immediate need to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice C rationale:
Applying oxygen via facemask to the client can help improve maternal oxygenation, which indirectly benefits the fetus. However, it does not directly address the immediate issue of relieving pressure on the umbilical cord.
Choice D rationale:
Exerting upward pressure on the presenting part is the most critical action to take first. This maneuver helps to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, thereby restoring blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, which is essential in this emergency situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A previous delivery at 37 weeks gestation does not necessarily indicate a risk for preterm delivery. Preterm delivery is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
A previous delivery of a newborn weighing 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) does not indicate a risk for preterm delivery. Low birth weight can be a result of preterm delivery, but it can also be due to other factors such as intrauterine growth restriction.
Choice C rationale
A previous reactive non-stress test does not indicate a risk for preterm delivery. A reactive non-stress test is a positive sign of fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale
A previous cervical cerclage indicates a risk for preterm delivery. Cervical cerclage is a procedure performed to prevent preterm birth in women with a history of preterm birth and who have a short cervix.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An incompetent cervix is a condition that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. This is not typically associated with rapid labor progression.
Choice B rationale
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes, rest, and antacids. It’s not related to the speed of labor progression.
Choice C rationale
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. It’s not related to the speed of labor progression.
Choice D rationale
Postpartum hemorrhage is the correct answer. Rapid labor progression can lead to a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract after the delivery.
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