A nurse is performing a vaginal exam on a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes the umbilical cord protruding through the cervix. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer oxytocin to the client via intravenous infusion.
Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
Prepare for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter.
Assist the client into the knee-chest position.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Administering oxytocin to the client via intravenous infusion is not appropriate when the nurse notes an umbilical cord protruding through the cervix. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord to prevent fetal compromise, and administering oxytocin could worsen the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Applying oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula is not the priority when an umbilical cord prolapse is detected. The focus should be on relieving pressure on the cord and changing the client's position to alleviate the compression.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter is not appropriate when there is an umbilical cord prolapse. The immediate concern is the potential compromise of fetal blood flow, and addressing the cord prolapse takes precedence over any other interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client into the knee-chest position is the correct action when an umbilical cord prolapse is observed during a vaginal exam. This position helps to alleviate pressure on the cord by moving the presenting part of the fetus off the cord and can prevent further fetal distress until more definitive interventions can be performed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should discontinue the oxytocin infusion if the client's contraction frequency is every 3 minutes. Frequent contractions may lead to uterine hyperstimulation, which can reduce fetal blood flow and oxygenation, potentially causing fetal distress. Normal contraction frequency during labor is typically every 2 to 5 minutes.
Choice B rationale:
Contraction duration of 100 seconds is not an indication to discontinue the oxytocin infusion. The duration of contractions can vary during labor, and 100 seconds is within the normal range of contraction duration, which is usually 45 to 90 seconds.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal heart rate with moderate variability is not an indication to discontinue the oxytocin infusion. Moderate variability in fetal heart rate is a reassuring sign, indicating a healthy fetal response to labor. It shows that the fetus is tolerating the contractions well and is not experiencing fetal distress.
Choice D rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 118/min is not an indication to discontinue the oxytocin infusion. The normal fetal heart rate range is typically between 110 to 160 beats per minute, and a heart rate of 118/min falls within this normal range. However, if the fetal heart rate deviates significantly from the normal range or shows signs of distress, further assessment and intervention are required.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Naegele's Rule is used to estimate the expected delivery date (EDD) by adding 7 days and 9 months to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) In this case, May 4th, 2018, is the first day of the LMP. Adding 7 days brings us to May 11th, and then adding 9 months brings us to February 11th, 2019, which is the estimated delivery date.
Choice B rationale:
This option is incorrect because it adds 9 months to the LMP without accounting for the additional 7 days, resulting in an inaccurate EDD.
Choice C rationale:
This option is incorrect because it only adds 9 months to the LMP without considering the 7 days, leading to an inaccurate EDD.
Choice D rationale:
This option is incorrect because it adds 9 months to the LMP without considering the 7 days, resulting in an inaccurate EDD.
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