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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.

Choice B reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.

Choice C reason: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.

Choice D reason: Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.

A. Continuous fetal monitoring B. Ambulate to induce labor C. Obtain a daily weight D. Assess deep tendon reflexes every hour

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This order does not require clarification, as it is an appropriate and standard order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause fetal distress, growth restriction, or demise. Continuous fetal monitoring can help detect and evaluate the fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, decelerations, and contractions, and guide the management and intervention.

Choice B reason: This order requires clarification, as it is an inappropriate and contraindicated order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause seizures, stroke, or organ failure. Ambulation can increase the blood pressure, stimulate the labor, and worsen the condition. The client should be on bed rest, with the head of the bed elevated, and receive medications to lower the blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Choice C reason: This order does not require clarification, as it is an appropriate and standard order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause edema, proteinuria, or oliguria. Obtaining a daily weight can help monitor the fluid status, the severity of the edema, and the response to the treatment.

Choice D reason: This order does not require clarification, as it is an appropriate and standard order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause hyperreflexia, clonus, or seizures. Assessing deep tendon reflexes every hour can help evaluate the neuromuscular irritability, the risk of eclampsia, and the effect of magnesium sulfate.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a client who has severe preeclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation and is reviewing the provider's orders. Which of the following orders requires clarification?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor at 40 weeks of gestation and reports that she has saturated two perineal pads with blood in the past 30 min. The nurse caring for her suspects placenta previa. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

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