A nurse is caring for a patient who is in labor at 40 weeks of gestation and reports that she has saturated two perineal pads in the past 30 minutes.
The nurse suspects placenta previa.
What would be an appropriate nursing action in this situation?
Administer a magnesium sulfate infusion.
Initiate pushing.
Prepare for a cesarean birth.
Examination to determine cervical status.
The Correct Answer is C
If a patient in labor at 40 weeks of gestation reports saturating two perineal pads in the past 30 minutes, and placenta previa is suspected, an appropriate nursing action would be to prepare for a cesarean birth. Placenta previa, where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening, can cause significant bleeding and is typically managed with a cesarean delivery to prevent further bleeding and ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. In a cephalic (head-down) presentation, fetal heart tones are typically heard below the umbilicus.
B. A posterior position refers to the fetal back facing the mother's back, but it does not affect the heart tone location significantly.
C. A transverse lie would place the fetal heart tones at the lateral sides of the abdomen, not above the umbilicus.
D. In a frank breech position (buttocks presenting first), fetal heart tones are usually heard above the umbilicus, as the fetal head is positioned in the upper uterus.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Changes in the cervix, including effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), are reliable signs of true labor. During true labor, contractions cause the cervix to thin and open to prepare for the passage of the baby. This is in contrast to Braxton Hicks contractions, or “false labor,” which are irregular and do not result in changes to the cervix.
Choice A rationale
The position of the presenting part can provide information about the progress of labor and the likely need for interventions, but it is not a definitive sign of labor.
Choice B rationale
Membrane rupture, or “water breaking,” can occur before or during labor. However, not all women experience a noticeable rupture of membranes, and sometimes the fluid can leak slowly, making it less noticeable.
Choice C rationale
A regular contraction pattern can be a sign of labor, but contractions can also occur in patterns during false labor. Therefore, contraction pattern alone is not a definitive sign of labor.
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