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 C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Hypotension is a finding that indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output. Excessive vaginal bleeding can lead to hypovolemia, reducing the volume of blood pumped by the heart and resulting in decreased cardiac output. The body responds to hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output by trying to maintain blood pressure, which leads to hypotension.
Choice A rationale:
Bradycardia is not a finding indicating decreased cardiac output in this scenario. While bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) can be associated with decreased cardiac output in certain situations, it is not the primary finding in a postpartum client experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
A flushed face is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. A flushed face may result from various factors such as fever or emotional stress, but it is not directly related to cardiac output.
Choice D rationale:
Polyuria (excessive urination) is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. Polyuria may occur due to factors like diuresis or increased fluid intake but is not directly related to cardiac output in the context of excessive vaginal bleeding.
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.
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