A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor. The nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Insert a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord.
Cover the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing.
Place the client in knee-chest position.
Prepare the client for an immediate birth.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This action is the first and most important intervention that the nurse should perform, as it can prevent or reduce the compression of the umbilical cord, which can cause fetal hypoxia, bradycardia, or death. The nurse should insert a gloved hand into the vagina and gently push the presenting part away from the cord, and maintain this position until the delivery.
Choice B reason: This action is not the first intervention that the nurse should perform, as it does not address the cause of the cord prolapse, which is the displacement of the cord below the presenting part. However, this action is helpful to prevent the drying and infection of the cord, and should be done after the first intervention.
Choice C reason: This action is not the first intervention that the nurse should perform, as it may not be effective or feasible depending on the stage of labor and the client's condition. However, this action is beneficial to reduce the pressure of the presenting part on the cord, and should be done after the first intervention.
Choice D reason: This action is not the first intervention that the nurse should perform, as it does not provide immediate relief or protection to the fetus. However, this action is necessary to expedite the delivery and prevent further complications, and should be done after the first intervention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure is not the most appropriate action, as it is not directly related to the signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. These signs are more indicative of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can affect newborns, especially those who are premature, small for gestational age, or have diabetic mothers.
Choice B reason: Initiating phototherapy is not the most appropriate action, as it is used to treat hyperbilirubinemia, which is a high level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Hyperbilirubinemia does not cause diaphoresis, jitteriness, or lethargy.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood glucose by heel stick is the most appropriate action, as it can confirm the diagnosis of hypoglycemia, which is the most likely cause of the signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. The nurse should perform a heel stick using a sterile lancet and a glucose meter, and obtain a blood sample from the lateral aspect of the heel. The nurse should also provide warmth, stimulation, and feeding to the newborn, and report the blood glucose level to the provider.
Choice D reason: Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer is not the most appropriate action, as it can cause dehydration, fluid loss, and further hypoglycemia. The nurse should use a radiant warmer only if the newborn is hypothermic, which is a low body temperature that can also affect newborns. The nurse should monitor the newborn's temperature and skin color, and adjust the warmer accordingly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: She is exhibiting hypertonic uterine dysfunction, because she has frequent and painful contractions that are ineffective in dilating the cervix. Hypertonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too often and too forcefully, resulting in poor oxygenation and fetal distress. The woman may need tocolytic therapy, pain relief, and hydration.
Choice B reason: She is not experiencing a normal latent stage, because her contractions are too frequent and too painful for this phase of labor. The normal latent stage is characterized by irregular and mild contractions that gradually increase in frequency and intensity, and cervical dilation from 0 to 3 cm.
Choice C reason: She is not experiencing precipitous labor, because her labor is not progressing rapidly. Precipitous labor is defined as labor that lasts less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to the delivery of the baby. It is associated with cervical dilation of more than 5 cm per hour.
Choice D reason: She is not exhibiting hypotonic uterine dysfunction, because her contractions are not weak or infrequent. Hypotonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too weakly or too rarely, resulting in prolonged labor and increased risk of infection. The woman may need oxytocin augmentation, amniotomy, or cesarean section.
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