A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action immediately following this procedure?
Assess the client's temperature.
Assess the fetal heart rate and pattern.
Record color and consistency of fluid in the chart.
Evaluate the client for the presence of chills and increased uterine tenderness using palpation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Assessing the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Fetal wellbeing takes precedence.
Choice B; After an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes), the priority nursing action is to assess the fetal heart rate and pattern. The procedure may cause changes in fetal heart rate and indicate fetal distress or cord compression, requiring immediate attention.
Choice C: Recording the color and consistency of fluid is relevant for documentation but does not address the immediate concern of fetal wellbeing.
Choice D: Evaluating the client for chills and uterine tenderness is not the priority after an amniotomy. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial to detect any signs of distress.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: Administering glucocorticoids intramuscularly is indicated for enhancing fetal lung maturity in cases of anticipated preterm birth. However, the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is not considered preterm, and the elevated temperature is the main concern.
B: Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean section based solely on an elevated temperature is not an appropriate action. There may be other factors contributing to the temperature elevation, and further assessment is needed.
C: An elevated temperature during pregnancy can indicate infection, which is a concern when the client's membranes have ruptured (premature rupture of membranes or PROM). Before any
interventions are initiated, the nurse should assess the odor of the amniotic fluid as it can provide important information about possible infection. If the amniotic fluid has a foul odor or appears
cloudy, it may indicate infection and require prompt medical attention.
D: Rechecking the client's temperature in 4 hours is not the appropriate immediate action when an elevated temperature is observed, especially in a pregnant woman.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: The client's symptoms of lightheadedness and tingling fingers indicate that she may be hyperventilating, which can occur when patternpaced breathing is too rapid. Breathing into a paper bag can help the client rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help correct the respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.
Choice B: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula may not address the underlying issue of hyperventilation. It is more appropriate to assist the client in slowing down her breathing pattern.
Choice C: Tucking the chin to the chest is not relevant to the client's symptoms of hyperventilation.
Choice D: Instructing the client to increase her respiratory rate would exacerbate the hyperventilation, leading to more symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.
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