A nurse is providing teaching to an antepartum client who has a new diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

A transvaginal fetal Doppler probe is an internal device used early in pregnancy to confirm fetal viability or heart rate in the first trimester, not an appropriate method for continuous intrapartum monitoring in a full-term client with intact membranes.

Choice B rationale

The DeLee-Hillis fetoscope is an external acoustic device used for intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart rate, providing a listening assessment rather than the prescribed continuous electronic tracing required for this client.

Choice C rationale

An external ultrasound transducer monitor (or tocodynamometer for contractions) uses non-invasive Doppler technology placed on the client's abdomen to detect and continuously monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions when membranes are intact, satisfying the continuous monitoring prescription without internal access.

Choice D rationale

An internal fetal scalp electrode (FSE) requires the rupture of membranes and sufficient cervical dilation for placement onto the fetal scalp to provide a precise electrocardiogram of the fetal heart, which is not applicable since the client's membranes are intact.

Choice A rationale

Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are applied preoperatively to promote venous return and prevent venous stasis in the lower extremities, significantly reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE), which are critical concerns during and after major surgery like a cesarean birth. Prophylaxis should commence before the operation for maximal effect.

Choice B rationale

An indwelling urinary catheter is typically inserted prior to the cesarean section, after the client receives regional anesthesia, to ensure the bladder is empty during the procedure, preventing injury to the bladder by the surgeon and maintaining a clear surgical field. It is not delayed until immediately following the procedure.

Choice C rationale

Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent administered post-delivery of the placenta (not prior to the procedure) via continuous IV infusion to stimulate uterine contractions, which is crucial for preventing postpartum hemorrhage by promoting myometrial contraction and vessel constriction.

Choice D rationale

The surgical timeout, a critical patient safety measure that verifies the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site, is performed by the entire surgical team immediately prior to the incision, typically after the client enters the operating room and is prepped, not while they are in the preoperative holding area.