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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Fetal movements, also known as quickening, are usually felt by the mother between weeks 18 and 25 of pregnancy, not specifically at week 24.
Choice B: While the sex of the baby is determined at conception, it is not visually identifiable on ultrasound until around week 16 to 20, depending on the fetus's position and the quality of the ultrasound images.
Choice C: The baby's heartbeat can be visualized on ultrasound as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy. It becomes audible using a Doppler stethoscope around 8 to 9 weeks of pregnancy.
Choice D: Lanugo, the fine hair covering the baby's body, usually appears around weeks 20 to 24 of pregnancy and begins to diminish later in pregnancy, not specifically at week 36.
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.
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