A nurse is reading a tuberculin skin test for a client who received a purified protein derivative test 72 hr ago. Which of the following findings indicates a positive test?

A. Apply a transparent dressing to the wound: Incorrect. Transparent dressings are not appropriate for controlling active bleeding.

B. Tie a tourniquet around the leg distal to the wound: Incorrect. A tourniquet should only be used as a last resort if direct pressure fails to control the bleeding.

C. Apply direct pressure to the wound with thick dressing material: Direct pressure is the first-line intervention to control bleeding and promote hemostasis.

D. Irrigate the wound with sterile water: Incorrect. Irrigation is not the priority in an actively bleeding wound; controlling the bleeding is more critical.

A. Assist the provider with inserting a fetal scalp electrode (FSE) and intrauterine pressure catheter (IUCP): This action is not the priority in the context of the client's current clinical status, particularly with the risk of placental abruption and severe bleeding. Fetal monitoring via scalp electrode and IUCP is typically reserved for stable clients, and invasive monitoring should be avoided in a potentially unstable situation.

B. Obtain serial H&H and clotting studies: The client is presenting with significant vaginal bleeding, low hemoglobin (8.1 g/dL at 0930, decreased to 7.5 g/dL at 1005), and low hematocrit levels (24% at 0930, dropping to 21% at 1005). Serial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels will help monitor ongoing blood loss and guide decisions regarding further interventions, such as transfusion. Clotting studies, including the prothrombin time and PTT, are necessary to assess the client's coagulation status and potential for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which can be associated with placental abruption or severe bleeding.

C. Administer misoprostol 600 mg rectally: Misoprostol is used to manage postpartum hemorrhage or to induce labor, but it is not indicated in the acute management of this client's condition. The client is 38 weeks gestation and presenting with signs of potential placental abruption, not requiring the use of misoprostol at this time.

D. Place the client in a supine position: The client should not be placed in a supine position, as this may exacerbate hypotension due to the supine hypotension syndrome, particularly if the uterus is compressing the inferior vena cava. The client would benefit more from positioning that promotes circulation, such as lying on the left side.

E. Prepare to transfuse 2 units of packed RBCs: The client is showing signs of hypovolemic shock with progressively declining blood pressure (from 95/62 mm Hg to 85/48 mm Hg), elevated heart rate (from 104/min to 128/min), and worsening hematocrit and hemoglobin. Blood transfusion is likely necessary to restore circulating volume, improve oxygen delivery, and address the ongoing blood loss.