A nurse is caring for a laboring client and notes that the fetal heart rate begins to decelerate after the contraction has started. The lowest point of deceleration occurs after the peak of the contraction. What is the priority nursing action?
Change the client's position.
Insert a scalp electrode.
Prepare for amnioinfusion.
Document benign decelerations.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The priority nursing action when the fetal heart rate shows a deceleration after the contraction has started, with the lowest point occurring after the peak of the contraction, is to change the client's position. This deceleration pattern is called "late decelerations,” and it is typically associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which can be caused by maternal hypotension or impaired blood flow to the placenta. Changing the client's position, such as moving the client to their side or repositioning them, can alleviate pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta, thus potentially resolving or minimizing the late decelerations.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a scalp electrode (Choice B) is not the priority action in this situation. While a scalp electrode may be used to monitor the fetal heart rate more accurately and continuously, it is not the initial intervention for addressing late decelerations.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing for amnioinfusion (Choice C) may be considered if there are variable decelerations (caused by cord compression) present, but it is not the priority intervention for late decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Documenting benign decelerations (Choice D) is not appropriate in this scenario since late decelerations are not considered benign and require immediate action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This is the correct choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 2 or until they reach the maximum weight and height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. This is because rear- facing seats provide better support for a baby's head, neck, and spine during a crash, reducing the risk of injury.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the retainer clip over the upper part of the baby's abdomen is incorrect and potentially dangerous. The retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level to secure the harness straps properly.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the baby in the car seat at a 90-degree angle is not necessary. The car seat should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the angle will vary based on the specific car seat model.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the shoulder harness straps in the slots an inch above the baby's shoulders is incorrect. The straps should be positioned at or below the baby's shoulders for rear-facing car seats and at or above the shoulders for forward-facing seats.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increasing potassium intake is not specifically associated with relieving breast discomfort during menstruation. There is no established link between potassium intake and fibrocystic breast changes.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing fluid intake is generally beneficial for overall health, but it is not a specific recommendation for managing breast discomfort during menstruation. It may not have a direct impact on fibrocystic breast changes.
Choice C rationale:
Decreasing sodium intake before menstruation is a relevant instruction for managing breast discomfort associated with fibrocystic breast changes. High sodium intake can lead to water retention and breast swelling, exacerbating discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Daily fiber intake is important for bowel health but is not directly related to managing breast discomfort during menstruation or fibrocystic breast changes.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.