A nurse is caring for a client who reports spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse observes fetal bradycardia on the FHR tracing and notices that the umbilical cord is protruding.
After calling for assistance and notifying the provider, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Cover the umbilical cord with a sterile saline saturated towel.
Perform a vaginal examination by applying upward pressure on the presenting part.
Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 8 L/min.
Initiate an infusion of IV fluids for the client.
The Correct Answer is B
If a prolapsed cord is identified, the nurse should perform a vaginal examination and ensure the presenting part is pushed upwards to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice A) is not correct because while it is important to cover the cord with a sterile saline saturated towel if it has prolapsed externally 1, it is not the next action after calling for assistance and notifying the provider.
Choice C) is not correct because administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 8 L/min is not mentioned as an immediate intervention for a prolapsed cord .
Choice D) is not correct because initiating an infusion of IV fluids for the client is not mentioned as an immediate intervention for a prolapsed cord .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should obtain a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) specimen for a client at 12 weeks of gestation.
MSAFP is a screening tool used to identify fetal neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Elevated levels of MSAFP indicate an increased risk for NTDs, while low levels indicate an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
Administering rubella vaccine (A) is contraindicated during pregnancy as it is a live vaccine and can cause fetal harm.
Administering ceftriaxone IM (B) and obtaining a blood culture (C) are not indicated based on the information provided about the client.
The client's allergy to penicillin is not relevant to the nurse's immediate action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The first action the nurse should take is to apply identification bands to the newborn (choice D).
This is an important step in ensuring the safety and security of the newborn and helps to prevent errors such as misidentification.
Choices A, B, and C are also important actions that should be taken when caring for a newborn following delivery.
However, applying prophylactic eye ointment (choice A), administering vitamin K (choice B), and obtaining the newborn’s weight (choice C) can be done after the identification bands have been applied.
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