A nurse is caring for a client who presents to a labor and delivery unit experiencing rapidly progressing labor. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?
Apply perineal pressure to the emerging fetal head
Cut the umbilical cord
Prevent the perineum from tearing
Promote delivery of the placenta
The Correct Answer is A
A. Correct. In rapidly progressing labor, applying gentle perineal pressure helps control the speed of delivery and can prevent or minimize perineal tearing or lacerations. It also helps to manage the delivery of the fetal head, especially in cases where the labor is very rapid which can cause neurologic damage (increased intracranial pressure and dural/subdural tearing).
B. Cutting the umbilical cord is not the priority in this situation. The focus should be on the immediate management of the delivery process and preventing complications related to perineal tearing.
C. Preventing the perineum from tearing: While preventing the perineum from tearing is important, it is not the immediate priority in the context of rapidly progressing labor. The primary focus should be on safely delivering the baby, which involves controlling the delivery of the fetal head to prevent complications.
D. Promoting the delivery of the placenta is a consideration for the third stage of labor, which follows the delivery of the baby. It is not the priority during the active phase of delivery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bilirubin 9 mg/dL is correct. A bilirubin level of 9 mg/dL in a newborn, especially at 4 hours old, is elevated and needs prompt attention. High bilirubin levels in newborns can be indicative of jaundice, and severe jaundice may lead to complications such as kernicterus. Monitoring and managing bilirubin levels are crucial to prevent potential neurologic damage.
Choice B Reason:
Hemoglobin 15 g/dL is incorrect. This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for a newborn. It's important to note that newborns often have higher hemoglobin levels shortly after birth, and this value is consistent with normal physiological ranges.
Choice C Reason:
Platelets 175,000/mm³ is incorrect. A platelet count of 175,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn. There is no immediate concern based on this platelet count.
Choice D Reason:
Hematocrit 45% is incorrect. A hematocrit level of 45% is within the normal range for a newborn. Like hemoglobin, hematocrit levels can be higher in newborns shortly after birth, and this value falls within the expected range.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. A distended bladder reduces pelvic space needed for birth.
A. A distended bladder itself is not typically traumatized by pelvic exams. However, a full bladder can impede the progress of labor and may affect the accuracy of pelvic exams.
B. This statement is accurate. A distended bladder can reduce the available pelvic space needed for the descent of the baby during labor. An empty bladder allows the fetal head to engage more easily in the pelvis.
C. A full bladder is not directly associated with an increased risk for fetal trauma. The primary concern is the impact on pelvic space and the progress of labor.
D. While a full bladder can contribute to urinary tract infections, it is not the primary reason for encouraging the client to avoid a distended bladder during labor.
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