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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is: April 11, 2016
Choice A: April 27, 2016
Reason: Using Naegele’s Rule, the estimated date of delivery (EDD) is calculated by adding one year, subtracting three months, and adding seven days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). For an LMP of May 4, 2015:
- Add one year: May 4, 2016
- Subtract three months: February 4, 2016
- Add seven days: February 11, 2016
April 27, 2016, is incorrect because it does not follow the correct calculation steps.
Choice B: April 11, 2016
Reason: Following Naegele’s Rule:
- Add one year: May 4, 2016
- Subtract three months: February 4, 2016
- Add seven days: February 11, 2016
April 11, 2016, is the correct EDD as it accurately follows the calculation steps.
Choice C: February 27, 2016
Reason: This date is incorrect because it does not follow the correct calculation steps of Naegele’s Rule. The correct EDD should be in April, not February.
Choice D: February 11, 2016
Reason: This date is also incorrect. While it follows the initial steps of Naegele’s Rule, it does not account for the full calculation, which should result in an April date, not February.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Observe for the presence of a nuchal cord: While this is important, it is not specifically related to the finding of the fetal head at a certain station.
B. Prepare to administer oxytocin: Oxytocin is a hormone used to induce or augment labor, but there is no indication for its use based solely on the fetal head station.
C. Observe for crowning: The fetal head at 3+ station indicates significant descent, and crowning may occur soon. Crowning is the appearance of the fetal head at the vaginal opening and indicates that delivery is imminent.
D. Apply fundal pressure: Fundal pressure is not appropriate at this stage of labor and could cause harm.
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