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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A: Quickening, which refers to the sensation of the baby moving in the womb, is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy. It is called "presumptive" because it is subjective and can be attributed to other causes, such as gas or gastrointestinal movements.

B: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that are attributed only to the presence of a fetus, such as fetal heartbeat or visualization on ultrasound. Feeling the baby move (quickening) is not specific enough to confirm pregnancy on its own.

C: Probable signs of pregnancy are more objective and can be detected by a healthcare provider, such as a positive pregnancy test or ballottement (rebounding of the fetus against the examiner's fingers). Feeling the baby move is not a probable sign as it is subjective and can be attributed to other factors.

D: "Potential sign of pregnancy" is not a recognized classification in pregnancy signs.

A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty blaadder at all times. B. Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest. C. Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor. D. Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.

Routinely inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary for maintaining an empty bladder during labor. While it is important to ensure the client has a voiding schedule, the use of an indwelling catheter should be reserved for specific medical indications, such as when the client is unable to void or has received an epidural. Indwelling catheters can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and should be used judiciously.

Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.

Keeping all four side rails up and maintaining strict bedrest is not appropriate during active labor. This practice can limit the client’s movement, which is essential for comfort and progress during labor. Movement and changing positions can help labor progress and reduce pain. Strict bedrest is generally reserved for specific medical conditions, such as preterm labor or other complications.

Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial during labor to assess the well-being of the fetus. However, hourly monitoring may not be sufficient. Guidelines recommend more frequent monitoring, typically every 15-30 minutes during the active phase of labor and every 5-15 minutes during the second stage. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring may be used for high-risk pregnancies or if there are signs of fetal distress.

Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

Checking the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration is important. This practice helps ensure that analgesics are administered at an appropriate time, avoiding potential complications such as delayed delivery or inadequate pain relief. Cervical checks provide valuable information about the progress of labor and help guide clinical decisions regarding pain management and delivery planning.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who states that she might be pregnant because she feels the baby moving. How does the nurse classify this statement by the client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is creating the plan of care for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and in active labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.

Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.

Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.

Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a cesarean birth due to dysfunctional labor. The client states that she is disappointed that she did not have natural childbirth. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is assessing a client in labor who has had epidural anesthesia for pain relief. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a complication from the epidural block?

A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor and notes that the presenting part is at 0 station. Which of the following is the correct interpretation of this clinical finding?

A nurse is preparing a client who is in active labor for epidural analgesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client who is having a difficult, prolonged labor with severe backache. Which of the following contributing causes should the nurse identify?

A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action immediately following this procedure?

A nurse in a family planning clinic is caring for a 17 year old female client who is requesting oral contraceptives. The client states that she is nervous because she has never had a pelvic examination. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?