A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor and is using patternpaced breathing. The client says she feels lightheaded, and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
"Assist the client in slowing her hyperventilation and breathe into a paper bag."
"Administer oxygen via nasal cannula while encouraging her to pant."
"Have the client tuck her chin to her chest."
"Instruct the client to increase her respiratory rate to more than 42 breaths per minute."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: The client's symptoms of lightheadedness and tingling fingers indicate that she may be hyperventilating, which can occur when patternpaced breathing is too rapid. Breathing into a paper bag can help the client rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help correct the respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.
Choice B: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula may not address the underlying issue of hyperventilation. It is more appropriate to assist the client in slowing down her breathing pattern.
Choice C: Tucking the chin to the chest is not relevant to the client's symptoms of hyperventilation.
Choice D: Instructing the client to increase her respiratory rate would exacerbate the hyperventilation, leading to more symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Engagement of the presenting part occurs when the baby's head descends into the pelvis. While it is a sign of labor progression, it can also happen weeks before labor begins.
Choice B: Progressive changes in the effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening) of the cervix are the most reliable signs of true labor. As the cervix changes, it indicates that labor is actively occurring.
Choice C: Rupture of the membranes (water breaking) is another sign of labor, but it can happen before or during labor. It may not be the most reliable sign by itself.
Choice D: Regular and frequent contractions are essential for labor to progress, but an irregular pattern of contractions may still be associated with false labor or early labor.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.A client at 38 weeks of gestation with a cough and fever may have an infection, which is concerning, but it is not immediately life-threatening. The nurse should assess this client soon, but it is not the highest priority.
B.A client who has missed a period and reports vaginal spotting could be experiencing an early pregnancy complication, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This situation requires attention, but it is not as urgent as painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.
C.A client at 14 weeks of gestation with nausea and vomiting is likely experiencing common pregnancy symptoms. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable and require management, they are not typically urgent.
D.A client at 28 weeks of gestation with painless vaginal bleeding could be experiencing placenta previa or another serious condition that poses an immediate risk to both the mother and the fetus. This situation requires urgent assessment and intervention.
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