A nurse is caring for a client who is in the latent phase of labor and reports severe back pain. The vaginal examination reveals that the cervix is dilated 2 cm, 25% effaced, and -2 station.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
Apply counterpressure during each contraction.
Administer a dose of terbutaline to the client.
Request the provider prescribe a pudendal nerve block.
Place the client in a warm bath.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Counterpressure is a nonpharmacologic pain management technique that involves applying firm, steady pressure to the sacral area during contractions. It is particularly effective for back pain during labor, which is often caused by the occiput of the fetus pressing against the maternal sacrum. This physical pressure helps to distract the brain from the pain signals and can help to realign the fetal head. It provides direct relief by counteracting the pressure from the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication that is used to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and inhibit contractions. Administering this medication would halt the progression of labor, which is not the goal in this situation. The client is in the latent phase of labor, and the primary goal is to manage the pain while allowing the labor process to continue naturally. Therefore, terbutaline is contraindicated as it would interfere with the normal course of labor.
Choice C rationale
A pudendal nerve block is a form of regional anesthesia that anesthetizes the pudendal nerve, providing pain relief to the perineum, vulva, and vagina. It is typically administered in the second stage of labor just before delivery or for an episiotomy repair, as it is not effective for the pain associated with uterine contractions. The client is in the latent phase of labor and experiencing back pain, so a pudendal block would not be an appropriate intervention at this time.
Choice D rationale
While a warm bath can be a useful comfort measure during labor, it is not the most effective intervention for severe back pain specifically caused by the fetal position. Counterpressure provides targeted, direct pressure to the source of the pain, offering more immediate and substantial relief. A warm bath may provide general relaxation and distraction, but it does not address the underlying mechanical cause of the pain as effectively as counterpressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ketonuria, the presence of ketones in the urine, is typically associated with hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. When glucose levels are high and cells can't use it for energy, the body starts breaking down fats, producing ketones as a byproduct. A blood glucose reading of 64 mg/dL is low and indicates hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Warm skin is a sign of vasodilation, often associated with a fever or an inflammatory response. In the context of hypoglycemia, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to vasoconstriction, which would typically cause the skin to feel cool and clammy, not warm.
Choice C rationale
Nervousness is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop, the body releases counterregulatory hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands. This sympathetic nervous system activation causes symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, palpitations, and tremors as the body attempts to raise blood sugar.
Choice D rationale
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a clinical finding associated with metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the high acid load by increasing the respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide. It is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia, which is indicated by a reading of 64 mg/dL. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dark spots or floaters in vision are not a typical post-operative finding for cataract removal. They are more commonly associated with retinal detachment, which is a rare but serious complication. The client should be instructed to report this to the provider immediately.
Choice B rationale
Bruising of the eyelids is not a normal or expected outcome after cataract surgery. The procedure is typically performed with a small incision and does not cause significant trauma to the surrounding tissues, making bruising an uncommon occurrence.
Choice C rationale
Cataract surgery is almost always performed using a local anesthetic, not general anesthesia. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the eye and surrounding area, allowing the client to remain awake and aware during the procedure while feeling no pain.
Choice D rationale
The fundamental principle of cataract surgery is the removal of the clouded, opaque lens and its replacement with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is the definitive treatment for cataracts, restoring visual clarity and function to the eye. *.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.