A nurse is providing care for a patient who is in active labor and recognizes late decelerations on the fetal monitor.
The healthcare provider has been informed.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
Administer oxygen via face mask.
Elevate the patient’s legs.
Have the patient turn to a side-lying position.
Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via face mask is a common intervention for many complications during labor. However, it is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. Late decelerations are a sign of fetal distress, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. While oxygen can help increase oxygenation to the fetus, it does not address the root cause of the problem.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the patient’s legs is not typically the priority action when late decelerations are noted. This action would not alleviate the cause of late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Having the patient turn to a side-lying position is often the first intervention when late decelerations are noted. This position helps increase blood flow to the placenta, potentially alleviating uteroplacental insufficiency and improving fetal oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluids is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. While it may be part of the management plan, it is not the priority action.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cheyne-Stokes breathing, characterized by a cycle of increasing and decreasing respiratory rate and depth, is not a typical symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is more commonly associated with Kussmaul breathing, which is rapid, deep, and labored.
Choice B rationale
An acetone odor to the breath is a classic symptom of DKA. This is due to the body breaking down fat for energy, which produces ketones. These ketones can cause the breath to smell fruity or like nail polish remover.
Choice C rationale
A blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL is not a symptom of DKA. In fact, DKA is characterized by high blood glucose levels, typically above 250 mg/dL111213.
Choice D rationale
Malignant hypertension is not a typical symptom of DKA. While DKA can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that may affect blood pressure, it does not typically cause malignant hypertension.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not typically a symptom of postpartum endometritis.
Choice B rationale
Pelvic pain is a common symptom of postpartum endometritis. It is often one of the first symptoms to appear, along with lower abdominal pain and uterine tenderness.
Choice C rationale
While a moderate amount of dark red lochia with a bloody odor can be a normal part of the postpartum period, it is not specifically indicative of endometritis.
Choice D rationale
Localized area of breast tenderness is not typically a symptom of postpartum endometritis.
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