A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. The nurse notes recurrent variable decelerations of the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the equipment necessary to initiate an amnioinfusion.
Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a nonrebreather face mask.
Discontinue the infusion of oxytocin.
Place the client in a left lateral position.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Preparing for an amnioinfusion is not the first-line action. It may be considered if decelerations do not resolve with initial measures such as maternal repositioning.
Choice B reason:
Administering oxygen is a subsequent measure if initial interventions like repositioning do not improve the FHR. Oxygen is typically given at 8-10 L/min via a nonrebreather mask to increase fetal oxygenation.
Choice C reason:
Discontinuing oxytocin is important if the cause of decelerations is uterine hyperstimulation. However, repositioning the client should precede this action to quickly address potential umbilical cord compression.
Choice D reason:
This is the first action to take because it can quickly alleviate potential compression of the umbilical cord, which is often the cause of variable decelerations. It may be considered if decelerations do not resolve with initial measures such as maternal repositioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering oxytocin to the client via intravenous infusion is not appropriate when the nurse notes an umbilical cord protruding through the cervix. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord to prevent fetal compromise, and administering oxytocin could worsen the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Applying oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula is not the priority when an umbilical cord prolapse is detected. The focus should be on relieving pressure on the cord and changing the client's position to alleviate the compression.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter is not appropriate when there is an umbilical cord prolapse. The immediate concern is the potential compromise of fetal blood flow, and addressing the cord prolapse takes precedence over any other interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client into the knee-chest position is the correct action when an umbilical cord prolapse is observed during a vaginal exam. This position helps to alleviate pressure on the cord by moving the presenting part of the fetus off the cord and can prevent further fetal distress until more definitive interventions can be performed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should report a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 35 mg/dL to the provider. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood and is used to assess kidney function. An elevated BUN can indicate impaired renal function, which is a concern in preeclampsia, as it may signify reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 15 mg/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy (normal range: 11-15 g/dL), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
Bilirubin level of 0.6 mg/dL is within the normal range (normal range: 0.2-1.3 mg/dL), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Hematocrit (Hct) level of 37% is within the normal range for pregnancy (normal range: 33- 45%), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
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