A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin for induction of labor and notes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the monitor tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Decrease maintenance IV solution infusion rate.
Place the client in a lateral position.
Administer oxygen via face mask at 2 L/min.
Administer misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Decreasing the maintenance IV solution infusion rate is not the appropriate action for addressing late decelerations of the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations are a concerning sign during labor, indicating possible fetal distress. This can be caused by inadequate oxygenation of the fetus, and reducing IV fluids would not directly address this issue.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the client in a lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action when late decelerations are observed. This position helps to improve uteroplacental blood flow and can relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, thus increasing oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen via face mask at 2 L/min is not the priority action in response to late decelerations. While oxygen may be beneficial in certain situations, it is not the initial intervention for addressing fetal heart rate decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Administering misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally is not appropriate for addressing late decelerations. Misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening and induction of labor, but it does not directly address fetal heart rate changes.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but serious complication during labor or immediately after delivery, where amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream and cause a severe reaction. While it may present with sudden and severe symptoms, such as hypotension and respiratory distress, it does not typically cause uterine rupture.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine rupture is a life-threatening emergency that can occur during labor, especially in women with previous uterine surgeries or trauma. The sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, cool skin, and pallor could indicate internal bleeding and shock, which are consistent with uterine rupture. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing suggests fetal distress due to compromised blood flow.
Choice C rationale:
Umbilical cord prolapse is another obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and gets compressed during labor, leading to fetal distress. It may cause variable decelerations in fetal heart rate, but it does not explain the maternal symptoms described in the scenario, such as the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and it can lead to painless vaginal bleeding. While it can cause fetal distress, it does not explain the maternal symptoms like the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing is more suggestive of uterine rupture.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
If both the mother and the father are Rh positive, there is no risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive.
Choice B rationale:
When the mother is Rh positive and the father is Rh negative, there is no risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn. Hemolytic disease results from Rh incompatibility, which occurs when the mother is Rh negative, and the father is Rh positive.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when the mother is Rh negative, and the father is Rh positive. In such cases, the baby may inherit the Rh factor from the father, leading to Rh incompatibility between the mother and the baby's blood, potentially causing hemolytic disease.
Choice D rationale:
If both the mother and the father are Rh negative, there is no risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive.
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