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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: An ultrasound can indeed determine the number of fetuses if a client is carrying multiples, but this is not the primary reason for performing an ultrasound before amniocentesis.

Choice B: An ultrasound is typically done before an amniocentesis to visualize the location of the placenta and fetus. This information is important to ensure that the amniocentesis needle is safely inserted away from the placenta and the fetus.

Choice C: The primary purpose of an amniocentesis is to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid to screen for genetic conditions, not specifically for spina bifida.

Choice D: Fetal age can be estimated through an ultrasound, but this is not the primary reason for performing an ultrasound before an amniocentesis. The main goal of the procedure is to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic testing.

A. Fetal head compression B. Umbilical cord compression C. Uteroplacental insufficiency D. Maternal bradycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Fetal head compression: Fetal head compression would typically result in variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
B) Umbilical cord compression: Umbilical cord compression is associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
C) Uteroplacental insufficiency: Late decelerations occur due to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, which can be caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. This condition can lead to fetal hypoxia during contractions.
D) Maternal bradycardia: Maternal bradycardia would not directly cause late decelerations in the fetal heart rate.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and scheduled for an amniocentesis. The client asks why she is having an ultrasound prior to the procedure. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an external fetal monitor. The nurse observes late decelerations on the monitor strip and interprets them as indicating which of the following?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 6 weeks of gestation with her first pregnancy and asks the nurse when she can expect to experience quickening. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

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 in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor when the client's membranes rupture. The fetal monitor tracing shows late decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 18 weeks of gestation and is to undergo an amniocentesis. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this test is to identify which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has rubella at the time of delivery and asks why her newborn is being placed in isolation. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is preparing to measure the fundal height of a client who is at 22 weeks of gestation. At which location should the nurse expect to palpate the fundus?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following findings is the nurse's first priority?