A nurse is caring for a client who is in labour and notes that the umbilical cord is prolapsed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Loosely wrap the cord with petroleum gauze.
Place the client in Trendelenburg position.
Evaluate uterine tone.
Apply fundal pressure
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Wrapping the cord with petroleum gauze is not recommended. Handling the cord directly can lead to vasospasm and worsen the situation.Choice B reason:
The Trendelenburg position involves placing the mother with her head lower than her pelvis. This position helps to alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and compromising blood flow to the baby. Additionally, the nurse should also manually elevate the presenting part of the fetus off the umbilical cord to further relieve pressure. These actions can help mitigate the potential complications associated with umbilical cord prolapse until further medical interventions can be implemented.Choice C reason:
Evaluate uterine tone. While evaluating uterine tone is an important part of the overall assessment during labour, it is not the priority action in the case of umbilical cord prolapse. The immediate concern is to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice D reason:
Option D: Apply fundal pressure. Fundal pressure should not be applied during umbilical cord prolapse as it may push the baby's presenting part further onto the cord, worsening the situation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Palpate the degree of edema. This is incorrect because palpating the degree of edema requires clinical judgment and skill, which are beyond the scope of practice of an AP.
B. Regulate IV pump fluid rate. This is incorrect because regulating IV pump fluid rate is a nursing responsibility that involves calculating and adjusting the infusion rate based on the client's condition and orders.
C. Measure the client's daily weight. This is correct because measuring the client's daily weight is a routine task that can be delegated to an AP, as long as the nurse provides clear instructions and monitors the results. The client's daily weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
D. Assess the client's vital signs. This is incorrect because assessing the client's vital signs requires interpretation and analysis of data, which are nursing functions that cannot be delegated to an AP.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Option A is incorrect because enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care does not address the immediate problem or correct the error.
Option B-This would be inappropriate for oral care in an unconscious client as it increases the risk of aspiration.The side-lying position is safer for oral hygiene in unconscious clients.
Option C:While encouraging family participation can be beneficial, it is not the most immediate concern in this situation. The priority is ensuring safe and effective care, which the UAP is providing correctly.
Option D:The flat side-lying position is appropriate for an unconscious client during oral hygiene care. This position helps to prevent aspiration by allowing any secretions or fluids to drain out of the mouth rather than down the throat, which could happen if the client were in a Fowler's position. The presence of the emesis basin near the chin also indicates that the UAP is prepared to catch any fluids, further reducing the risk of aspiration
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