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?

a. Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse: This choice suggests proceeding with medication administration but also informing the charge nurse. While it's important to communicate with the charge nurse regarding medication administration, in this scenario, there is no indication to hold the medication as the infant's heart rate is within the normal range. Therefore, alerting the charge nurse may not be necessary at this point.

b. Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment: This choice suggests holding the medication and documenting the cardiac assessment. However, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range for their age, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication. Holding the medication unnecessarily could delay treatment and potentially lead to adverse outcomes if the medication is needed.

c. Administer the medication and document the heart rate.

Since the infant's heart rate of 120 beats per minute falls within the normal range for a 2-month-old, there is no indication to hold the medication. Administering the digoxin as prescribed and documenting the heart rate before administration are appropriate actions. It's important to ensure accurate documentation to track the infant's response to the medication and monitor for any changes in heart rate.

d. Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour: This choice suggests holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour. Again, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication or delay treatment. Rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour would be unnecessary and could potentially delay necessary medication administration.

A: Incorrect. Decreased blood pressure is not an indication of chlorpromazine effectiveness, but rather a potential adverse effect that should be monitored and reported.

B: Correct. Decreased hallucinations are an indication of chlorpromazine effectiveness, as this medication is an antipsychotic that blocks dopamine receptors in the brain and reduces psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

C: Incorrect. Decreased cholesterol is not an indication of chlorpromazine effectiveness, but rather a potential benefit that may occur due to its effect on lipid metabolism.

D: Incorrect. Decreased esophageal reflux is not an indication of chlorpromazine effectiveness, but rather a potential adverse effect that should be avoided by taking the medication with food or water and avoiding lying down after administration.