A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and is at the end of her first trimester. The nurse should place the Doppler ultrasound stethoscope in which of the following locations to begin assessing for the fetal heart tones (FHT)?
Just above the umbilicus
Just above the symphysis pubis
The right lower quadrant
The left lower quadrant
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Just above the symphysis pubis.
A. Just above the umbilicus: At the end of the first trimester, the uterus is still within the pelvic cavity, and fetal heart tones are typically not detectable above the umbilicus at this stage.
B. Just above the symphysis pubis: This is the correct placement for assessing fetal heart tones during the first trimester. The fetal heart is usually located low in the pelvis during early pregnancy, making it most easily heard just above the pubic bone.
C. The right lower quadrant: Fetal heart tones are typically assessed in the midline of the abdomen, and focusing on the lower quadrants may not be the optimal location, especially in the first trimester.
D. The left lower quadrant: Similar to the right lower quadrant, focusing on the lower quadrants may not be the most appropriate location for assessing fetal heart tones during the first trimester.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The lowermost portion of the fetus is at the level of the ischial spines.
A. The lowermost portion of the fetus being at the level of the ischial spines is the correct interpretation of 0 station. In the station system, when the presenting part is at the level of the ischial spines, it is referred to as 0 station.
B. The largest fetal diameter passing through the pelvic outlet is generally represented by the complete passage of the fetus through the birth canal. This is more indicative of full cervical dilation (10 cm) rather than a specific station.
C. The posterior fontanel being palpable is not directly related to the concept of station. Fontanel palpation is more associated with determining fetal head position.
D. The fetal head being in the left occiput posterior position is related to fetal position, not station. The station describes the descent of the presenting part in relation to the ischial spines.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Prepare equipment needed for newborn resuscitation.
A. Preparing equipment needed for newborn resuscitation is the correct action.
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid can increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome in the newborn. While the fetal heart rate is reassuring, being prepared for potential newborn resuscitation is prudent given the meconium staining.
B. Performing endotracheal suctioning as soon as the fetal head is delivered is not the current standard of care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends routine suctioning of meconium-stained infants unless they show signs of respiratory distress, poor muscle tone, or a depressed heart rate.
C. Preparing the client for an ultrasound examination is not the immediate priority. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be associated with fetal distress, but the focus should be on the current labor and delivery situation.
D. Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is not the first action.
The presence of meconium staining alone does not necessarily indicate the need for an emergency cesarean birth, especially if the fetal heart rate is reassuring.
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