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:
Premature ovarian failure affects the ovaries and leads to early menopause, resulting in the loss of the woman's reproductive ability. This condition can cause infertility due to the depletion or dysfunction of eggs in the ovaries, hindering conception.
Choice B rationale:
Renal calculi (kidney stones) do not directly impact fertility. It is a condition unrelated to the reproductive system.
Choice C rationale:
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation and, while it can be uncomfortable, it does not necessarily affect fertility.
Choice D rationale:
Recurrent urinary tract infections may be a concern for overall health but do not necessarily directly impact fertility unless there are severe complications. They are unrelated to infertility assessment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the family in identifying prior coping skills is a valuable nursing intervention, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's feelings of sadness and lack of energy raise concerns about postpartum depression, and the nurse should address potential harm to the newborn first.
Choice B rationale:
This is the priority action by the nurse. The client's symptoms are indicative of postpartum depression, and the nurse must assess if she has considered harming her newborn. This assessment is crucial for the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Choice C rationale:
Anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant may be appropriate once a proper assessment and diagnosis are made, but it is not the priority action at this stage. Assessing for potential harm to the newborn takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is essential for the client's well- being. However, it is not the priority action when the client is showing signs of postpartum depression and possible harm to the newborn.
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