A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin for the induction of labor and notes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the monitor tracing. The nurse should take which of the following actions?
Administer misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally.
Place the client in a lateral position.
Administer oxygen via a face mask at 2 L/min.
Decrease the maintenance IV solution infusion rate.
The Correct Answer is B
Late decelerations are a type of fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern that indicate fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) due to uteroplacental insufficiency (decreased blood flow to the placenta). They are defined as a gradual decrease in FHR that occurs after the peak of a uterine contraction and returns to baseline after the end of the contraction¹. Late decelerations are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, such as low Apgar scores, acidosis, and neonatal intensive care unit admission².
The nurse should take immediate actions to improve fetal oxygenation and blood flow when late decelerations are detected. The first and most important action is to place the client in a lateral position, either left or right, to reduce compression of the inferior vena cava and increase uterine perfusion. This can improve fetal oxygenation and reduce the severity of late decelerations¹³.
The other actions that the nurse should take are:
- Discontinue oxytocin infusion if it is being used for induction or augmentation of labor, as it can cause uterine tachysystole (excessive contractions) and worsen uteroplacental insufficiency¹³.
- Administer oxygen to the client at 8 to 10 L/min via a nonrebreather face mask to increase maternal oxygen saturation and fetal oxygen delivery¹³.
- Increase intravenous (IV) fluid infusion rate to maintain maternal hydration and blood pressure, which can improve uterine blood flow¹³.
- Notify the provider and prepare for possible operative delivery if late decelerations persist or fetal distress occurs¹³.
- Provide emotional support and reassurance to the client and family, as late decelerations can cause anxiety and fear⁴.
The other options are not actions that the nurse should take:
- a) Administer misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally. This is not correct because misoprostol is a medication that is used to induce labor by ripening the cervix and stimulating contractions. It is not indicated for late decelerations and can cause uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress⁵.
- c) Administer oxygen via a face mask at 2 L/min. This is not correct because this is too low of an oxygen flow rate to improve fetal oxygenation. The recommended oxygen flow rate for late decelerations is 8 to 10 L/min via a nonrebreather face mask¹³.
- d) Decrease the maintenance IV solution infusion rate. This is not correct because this can cause maternal dehydration and hypotension, which can reduce uterine blood flow and worsen fetal hypoxia. The nurse should increase the IV fluid infusion rate to maintain maternal hydration and blood pressure¹³.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Preparing a toddler for a new sibling can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help ease the transition and reduce the risk of jealousy or resentment. One of these strategies is to make any major changes in the toddler's routine or environment well before the baby arrives, such as moving to a new bed, starting preschool, or toilet training. This can help the toddler adjust to the change without feeling displaced or threatened by the baby. It can also prevent the toddler from associating the change with the baby and blaming the baby for it¹².
Moving a toddler to a new bed 2 months before the baby comes home is a good example of this strategy. It gives the toddler enough time to get used to sleeping in a different place and feeling comfortable and secure in it. It also avoids making the toddler feel like they are being kicked out of their bed to make room for the baby. The toddler may even feel proud of having a big-kid bed and being more independent¹².
The other options are not appropriate responses by the nurse because they may have negative effects on the toddler's adjustment to the new sibling:
a) "Let your toddler see you carrying the baby into the home for the first time." This is not a good idea because it may make the toddler feel left out or replaced by the baby. The toddler may not understand why they were not with you when you brought the baby home and may feel hurt or angry. A better option is to have someone else carry the baby into the home while you greet your toddler with a hug and a smile. Then, you can introduce your toddler to their new sibling and involve them in welcoming and caring for the baby¹³.
b) "Avoid bringing your toddler to prenatal visits." This is not a good idea because it may make the toddler feel excluded or curious about what is going on. Bringing your toddler to some of your prenatal visits can help them learn more about the baby and feel more connected to them. You can show your toddler pictures of the baby's development, let them hear the baby's heartbeat, or ask them to help you choose clothes or toys for the baby. However, you should also be prepared for your toddler's possible boredom or impatience during long or boring appointments and bring some snacks or activities to keep them entertained¹⁴.
c) "Require scheduled interactions between the toddler and the baby." This is not a good idea because it may make the toddler feel pressured or resentful toward the baby. Forcing your toddler to interact with the baby when they are not ready or interested can backfire and cause more conflict or distance between them. A better option is to follow your toddler's cues and let them decide how much and when they want to interact with the baby. You can also praise your toddler for any positive interactions they have with the baby, such as giving them a gentle kiss, sharing a toy, or singing a song¹³.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Facial petechiae are small, red or purple spots of bleeding under the skin or mucous membranes of the face. They are caused by the rupture of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Facial petechiae can occur as a result of prolonged straining, such as during childbirth, vomiting, coughing, or crying¹. The increased pressure in the veins of the head and neck can cause the capillaries to burst, resulting in petechiae. Facial petechiae are usually harmless and resolve on their own without treatment.
The other options are not related to prolonged straining and have different causes and appearances:
a) Periauricular papillomas are benign, wart-like growths that occur near the ear. They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and may be present at birth or develop later in life. They are usually painless and do not bleed⁴.
b) Erythema toxicum is a common skin condition in newborn babies. It causes a rash and small, fluid-filled bumps that may appear on the face, limbs, or chest. It is not caused by bleeding, infection, or allergy, but by an unknown mechanism. It does not cause discomfort to the baby and clears up without treatment within one to two weeks⁵.
d) Telangiectatic nevi are birthmarks that are caused by dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They appear as red or purple patches or patterns on the skin that do not fade with pressure. They are present at birth and may grow in proportion to the child's growth. They are not associated with bleeding or infection and do not require treatment unless they cause cosmetic concerns⁶.
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