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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Opioid withdrawal symptoms usually involve increased muscle tone and jitteriness.
Choice B rationale:
Moderate tremors of the extremities are an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Neonates born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy can exhibit tremors, irritability, and other withdrawal symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
An axillary temperature of 36.1°C (96.9°F) is within the normal range for a newborn's body temperature, so it is not directly related to opioid withdrawal and is not the expected finding in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive sleeping is not an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Opioid withdrawal can lead to increased wakefulness and irritability in newborns.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. A nonstress test does not involve receiving medication through an
IV. It is a simple and non-invasive test that monitors the baby's heart rate in response to its movements.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. A nonstress test typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. During the test, the client will have a fetal heart rate monitor placed on her abdomen to measure the baby's heart rate while it is moving.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. There is no requirement for the client to fast or restrict food and drink before a nonstress test. The client can eat and drink as usual before the procedure.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect. A nonstress test is not used to determine if the baby's lungs are mature. Instead, it assesses the baby's heart rate patterns in response to its own movements, which helps evaluate the baby's overall well-being in the third trimester of pregnancy.
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