A nurse is preparing a client who has a prolapsed umbilical cord for an emergency cesarean delivery.
Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to the client?
Magnesium sulfate
Terbutaline
Oxytocin
Methylergonovine
The Correct Answer is B
Terbutaline is a medication that can relax the uterine muscles and reduce contractions. This can help relieve pressure on the prolapsed umbilical cord and restore blood flow to the baby while preparing for an emergency cesarean delivery.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, not to treat umbilical cord prolapse.
Choice C is wrong because oxytocin is used to induce or augment labor, not to stop it. Oxytocin can increase contractions and worsen cord compression.
Choice D is wrong because methylergonovine is used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage, not to treat umbilical cord prolapse. Methylergonovine can also increase contractions and worsen cord compression.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Terbutaline is a medication that can relax the uterine muscles and reduce contractions.This can help relieve pressure on the prolapsed umbilical cord and restore blood flow to the baby while preparing for an emergency cesarean delivery.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, not to treat umbilical cord prolapse.
Choice C is wrong because oxytocin is used to induce or augment labor, not to stop it.Oxytocin can increase contractions and worsen cord compression.
Choice D is wrong because methylergonovine is used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage, not to treat umbilical cord prolapse.Methylergonovine can also increase contractions and worsen cord compression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Push the presenting part upward with gloved fingers.This action can relieve cord compression and improve fetal oxygenation until an emergency cesarean section can be performed.
Choice B is wrong because pulling the cord gently to reduce tension can cause more damage to the umbilical vessels and increase the risk of fetal hemorrhage.
Choice C is wrong because clamping the cord with sterile forceps can cut off the blood supply to the fetus and cause fetal death.
Choice D is wrong because cutting the cord and tying it with sterile string can also cut off the blood supply to the fetus and cause fetal death.
Some additional information:
• A prolapsed umbilical cord is a rare but life-threatening obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord is abnormally positioned between the fetal presenting part and the cervix.
• The normal range of umbilical cord length is 40 to 60 cm.A longer cord can increase the risk of prolapse.
• The normal range of fetal heart rate is 110 to 160 beats per minute.A prolapsed cord can cause fetal bradycardia (slow heart rate) due to hypoxia.
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