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 A rationale:
Monitoring fluid intake is important for any newborn, but it is not the priority intervention for a small for gestational age (SGA) newborn. SGA infants are at risk of hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores, and monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in identifying and managing hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring axillary temperature is essential for all newborns to assess their thermoregulation. However, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. Hypoglycemia is a more immediate concern and must be addressed promptly.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. As mentioned earlier, SGA infants are at higher risk of hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can detect and address hypoglycemia early.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring weight is important for tracking the growth and development of the newborn, but it is not the priority intervention in this scenario. The immediate concern for an SGA newborn is their blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Terbutaline is a medication commonly used to stop preterm labor by relaxing the uterine muscles. However, it is contraindicated in clients with heart disease or certain cardiac conditions, as it can cause cardiovascular side effects such as increased heart rate, palpitations, and potential arrhythmias.
Choice B rationale:
Cervical dilation of 2 cm is a typical sign of preterm labor, and the prescription for terbutaline is appropriate to prevent further cervical dilation and delay delivery.
Choice C rationale:
A gestational age of 34 weeks indicates preterm labor, which is precisely the scenario where terbutaline would be administered to halt labor progression and extend the pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
Allergy to penicillin is unrelated to the administration of terbutaline, as they are different medications with distinct mechanisms of action and side effects.
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