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 C
Explanation
A: Administering glucocorticoids intramuscularly is indicated for enhancing fetal lung maturity in cases of anticipated preterm birth. However, the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is not considered preterm, and the elevated temperature is the main concern.
B: Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean section based solely on an elevated temperature is not an appropriate action. There may be other factors contributing to the temperature elevation, and further assessment is needed.
C: An elevated temperature during pregnancy can indicate infection, which is a concern when the client's membranes have ruptured (premature rupture of membranes or PROM). Before any
interventions are initiated, the nurse should assess the odor of the amniotic fluid as it can provide important information about possible infection. If the amniotic fluid has a foul odor or appears
cloudy, it may indicate infection and require prompt medical attention.
D: Rechecking the client's temperature in 4 hours is not the appropriate immediate action when an elevated temperature is observed, especially in a pregnant woman.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D: Leopold maneuvers are used to determine the fetal position and presentation by palpating the abdomen. ROA stands for Right Occiput Anterior, which means the baby's head is presenting and facing towards the mother's right side (Occiput) and positioned anteriorly (front of the pelvis).
This position is a common and favorable presentation for a vaginal delivery.
Choice A: Shoulder presentation is when the baby is presenting with the shoulder rather than the head. It is an abnormal presentation and requires a cesarean delivery.
Choice B: Mentum presentation is a type of face presentation, where the baby's chin (mentum) is presenting instead of the head. It is also an abnormal presentation and usually requires a cesarean delivery.
Choice C: Breech presentation is when the baby's buttocks or feet are presenting first instead of the head. It is another abnormal presentation that may require a cesarean delivery or careful vaginal delivery with a skilled healthcare provider.
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