A nurse on a labor unit is admitting a client who 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 92/54 mm Hg. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?
Have the client void.
Position the client with one hip elevated.
Ask the client if she needs pain medication.
Notify the provider of the findings.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Position the client with one hip elevated.
A. Having the client void is a good practice, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's vital signs suggest a potential issue with uteroplacental perfusion, and repositioning the client should be the priority.
B. Positioning the client with one hip elevated is the priority action.
The vital signs, specifically the low blood pressure, may be indicative of aortocaval compression (supine hypotension). Elevating one hip helps alleviate this compression, improving blood flow and potentially addressing the decreased blood pressure.
C. Asking the client if she needs pain medication is important, but repositioning the client takes precedence due to the potential issue with blood pressure and uteroplacental perfusion.
D. Notifying the provider is important, but repositioning the client to improve blood flow should be done first. The provider may be notified afterward based on the client's response and ongoing assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Variable decelerations.
A. Accelerations in the fetal heart rate are generally considered reassuring. Accelerations are an indication of fetal well-being and are often seen in response to fetal movement.
B. Early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions and are considered a normal response to the pressure on the fetal head.
C. Late decelerations are indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency.
Late decelerations occur after the peak of the contraction and are associated with inadequate oxygenation to the fetus. This pattern raises concerns about the baby's well-being.
D. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression.
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate that vary in duration, depth, and timing. They often coincide with contractions and suggest compression or occlusion of the umbilical cord.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Applying sacral counterpressure is appropriate. In the right occiput posterior position, the fetal head is positioned towards the mother's back, leading to increased pressure on the sacral are
A. Applying sacral counterpressure can help alleviate back pain during contractions.
Choice B Reason:
Performing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is inappropriate. While TENS can be used for pain relief in labor, applying sacral counterpressure is a more specific intervention for back pain related to fetal positioning.
Choice C Reason:
Initiating slow-paced breathing is inappropriate. While slow-paced breathing is a coping mechanism during contractions, it may not specifically address the back pain associated with the fetus in the right occiput posterior position.
Choice D Reason:
Assisting with biofeedback is inappropriate. Biofeedback is not a standard intervention for managing back pain during labor, especially in the context of fetal positioning. Sacral counterpressure is a more direct approach for this situation.
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