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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: AFI stands for amniotic fluid index, which is a measurement of the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. AFI is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal urine output and the placental function. A normal AFI is between 5 and 25 cm. A low AFI (< 5 cm) can suggest fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, or fetal distress. A high AFI (> 25 cm) can suggest fetal anomalies, polyhydramnios, or maternal diabetes.
Choice B reason: Fetal heart rate is an assessment of the fetal cardiac activity, which is usually monitored by a non-stress test (NST). Fetal heart rate is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal oxygenation and the autonomic nervous system. A normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, with moderate variability and accelerations. A non-reactive fetal heart rate (< 2 accelerations in 20 minutes) can suggest fetal hypoxia, acidosis, or distress.
Choice C reason: Fetal movement is an assessment of the fetal gross body movements, which are usually counted by the mother or observed by ultrasound. Fetal movement is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal activity and the central nervous system. A normal fetal movement is at least 3 movements in 30 minutes. A decreased fetal movement (< 3 movements in 2 hours) can suggest fetal sleep, sedation, or distress.
Choice D reason: Fetal tone is an assessment of the fetal muscle tone, which is usually observed by ultrasound. Fetal tone is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal maturity and the neuromuscular system. A normal fetal tone is at least 1 episode of fetal flexion or extension in 30 minutes. An abnormal fetal tone (absent or hypotonic) can suggest fetal immaturity, anomalies, or distress.
Choice E reason: Placental grade is not an assessment that is included in the fetal biophysical profile (BPP), as it is not a direct measure of fetal well-being, but rather a classification of the placental maturity and calcification. Placental grade is usually evaluated by ultrasound, and it ranges from 0 to 3, with higher grades indicating more calcification and aging. Placental grade can affect the placental function and the fetal growth, but it is not a reliable or consistent indicator of fetal distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important intervention that can help the client to manage her physical recovery and her infant's needs, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.
Choice B reason: Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a priority action by the nurse, as it is essential to assess the client's risk of infanticide, which is the intentional killing of an infant by the mother. Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a sensitive and difficult question, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the infant and the mother, and to provide appropriate interventions and referrals. The nurse should ask the question in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner, and validate the client's feelings and concerns.
Choice C reason: Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is a helpful intervention that can enhance the client's resilience and self-efficacy, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.
Choice D reason: Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is a possible intervention that can improve the client's mood and functioning, but it is not the only or the first option to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being. The nurse should collaborate with the provider and the client to determine the best treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, social support, or alternative therapies.
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