A nurse on a labor unit is admitting a client who is lying supine in her bed and reports painful contractions. The nurse determines that the contractions have a duration of 1 min and a frequency of 3 min. The nurse obtains the following vital signs: fetal heart rate 130/min,
maternal heart rate 128/min, and maternal blood pressure 82/54 mm Hg. Which of the following is the first priority action for the nurse to take?

Reposition the client with one hip elevated or on her left side.

Notify the provider of the findings.

Ask the client if she needs pain medication.

Have the client empty her bladder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Reposition the client with one hip elevated or on her left side: This is the correct first priority action. The client's vital signs indicate hypotension (low blood pressure), which may be caused by supine hypotensive syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure. Repositioning the client on her left side or elevating one hip can relieve the pressure on the vena cava and
improve blood flow to both the mother and the baby.

B)   Notify the provider of the findings: While it is essential to inform the provider about the client's status, the first priority is to address the potential cause of hypotension and maternal discomfort.

C)   Ask the client if she needs pain medication: Pain management is essential, but the client's vital signs and potential hypotensive condition take precedence as the first priority.
D)   Have the client empty her bladder: Emptying the bladder can help reduce pressure on the vena cava and may improve blood flow, but it is not the first priority action in this situation. Repositioning the client is the initial priority to relieve supine hypotensive syndrome.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A: Engaging in moderate physical activity during pregnancy, such as jogging, is generally safe and beneficial for pregnant women who have uncomplicated pregnancies. Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive exertion, and preventing overheating are important considerations during exercise.

B: The use of saunas and hot tubs during pregnancy is generally not recommended at any trimester, as they can cause hyperthermia and pose risks to the developing fetus.

C: Limiting exercise to only stretching on a mat is not appropriate during pregnancy. Regular physical activity is generally encouraged, provided there are no specific contraindications or complications.

D: Completely avoiding exercise during pregnancy is not recommended, as moderate and appropriate physical activity can have various benefits for both the mother and the baby.

A. "Change the client's position to left lateral and observe for resolution of the decelerations." B. "Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a nonrebreather mask and observe for resolution of the decelerations." C. "Apply a fetal scalp electrode and observe for resolution of the decelerations." D. "Increase the rate of the IV infusion and observe for resolution of the decelerations."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and one of the first interventions is to improve uterine blood flow by changing the client's position. Placing the client in a left lateral position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby.

Choice B: Administering oxygen is a correct intervention for late decelerations, but it should follow the position change. Oxygen administration helps increase oxygen levels in the maternal blood, which can improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice C: Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, but it does not address the immediate concern of late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the priority.

Choice D: Increasing the rate of the IV infusion might not have an immediate effect on resolving late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the initial interventions.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is in her first trimester of pregnancy and asks the nurse if she can continue to exercise during pregnancy. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse admits a woman who is at 38 weeks of gestation and in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 42 weeks of gestation. Based on the assessment findings, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a maternal serum alphafetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation. The nurse provides which of the following explanations about this test to the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor and is using patternpaced breathing. The client says she feels lightheaded, and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 12 weeks gestation. The client asks about the cause of her heartburn. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?