A nurse is reinforcing teaching about signs preceding the onset of labor with a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
"You will experience urinary retention."
"You will have a decrease in vaginal discharge."
"You will experience a surge of energy."
"You will have a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: "You will experience urinary retention." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Urinary retention can occur during labor due to pressure from the fetal head or epidural anesthesia, but it is not a sign that labor is imminent. The nurse should encourage the client to void frequently and monitor their bladder status.
Choice B reason: "You will have a decrease in vaginal discharge." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Vaginal discharge can increase before labor due to cervical ripening and dilation, which can cause bloody show or mucus plug loss. The nurse should educate the client about normal and abnormal vaginal discharge and when to report it.
Choice C reason: "You will experience a surge of energy." is correct, as this statement describes a sign preceding the onset of labor. A surge of energy, also known as nesting instinct, can occur before labor due to hormonal changes or psychological factors. The nurse should advise the client to conserve their energy and rest as much as possible before labor.
Choice D reason: "You will have a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Weight gain can occur during pregnancy due to fetal growth, fluid retention, or increased caloric intake, but it is not a sign that labor is imminent. The nurse should monitor the client's weight and fluid balance and report any sudden or excessive weight gain that may indicate preeclampsia or other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Position the client on her side is correct, as this is the first action the nurse should take according to the ABCDE priority framework. Late decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the fetal heart rate that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends, which indicate uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia. Positioning the client on her side can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and fetus by relieving pressure on the vena cava and aorta.
Choice B reason: Elevate the client's legs is incorrect, as this is not a priority action for a client who has late decelerations. Elevating the legs can increase venous return and cardiac output, but it can also reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and fetus by compressing the vena cava and aorta.
Choice C reason: Administer oxygen via face mask is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it is important to do later. Administering oxygen can increase oxygen saturation and delivery to the placenta and fetus, but it does not address the cause of uteroplacental insufficiency or improve blood flow.
Choice D reason: Increase the infusion rate of the IV fluid is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it may be indicated later. Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluid can expand blood volume and improve placental perfusion, but it does not address the cause of uteroplacental insufficiency or improve blood flow. The nurse should obtain a provider's order before increasing the IV fluid rate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason:
Placing the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position is the first action the nurse should take, as it can relieve pressure on the cord and prevent compression and fetal hypoxia. The nurse should also use a sterile gloved hand to hold the presenting part off the cord.
Choice A reason:
Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is an important action, as it can facilitate prompt delivery and prevent fetal compromise. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord prolapse.
Choice B reason:
Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing is an important action, as it can prevent drying and infection of the cord. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord compression.
Choice C reason:
Explaining to the client what is happening is an important action, as it can provide emotional support and education for the client. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord prolapse.
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