A nurse on an antepartum unit is caring for a 28-year-old gravida 1 para 0 female client at 32 weeks of gestation.
Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. The nurse should identify that _______ are findings that require follow-up.
Contractions every 5 minutes
Fetal heart rate of 140/min
Clear mucus discharge
Closed cervix
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should identify that contractions occurring every 5 minutes require follow-up for several reasons:
- Preterm Labor Risk: At 32 weeks of gestation, regular contractions every 5 minutes could indicate the onset of preterm labor. This is concerning because preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, which poses significant risks to the baby's health and development.
- Frequency and Intensity: These contractions are occurring frequently (every 5 minutes) and are described as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. This frequency and the strength of the contractions are unusual for Braxton Hicks, which are typically irregular and less intense.
- Effacement and Cervical Changes: Although the cervix is closed, it is 80% effaced. Effacement means the cervix is thinning, which, in combination with regular contractions, may indicate that the body is preparing for labor.
- Urinary Leakage: The client also reported urinary leakage earlier in the day, which could be a sign of ruptured membranes (water breaking). This, combined with regular contractions, increases the need for careful monitoring.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"},"G":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Administration of IV fluids: This is anticipated as it ensures the client remains well-hydrated, which is important for both maternal and fetal health.
- Continuous monitoring of FHR: This is anticipated to monitor the fetal well-being and ensure there are no signs of fetal distress.
- Abdominal ultrasound: This is anticipated to assess fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and placental positioning.
- Digital cervical exam to assess dilation and effacement: This is contraindicated because frequent cervical exams can increase the risk of infection and may cause unnecessary discomfort, especially if there are no signs of labor.
- Laboratory testing: CBC, Blood Type & Rh, Coagulation Studies: These tests are anticipated to provide important information about the client's blood count, blood type, Rh status, and coagulation parameters, which are crucial for managing potential complications.
- Placement of an internal fetal spiral electrode: This is contraindicated as it is an invasive procedure that carries risks, and it is unnecessary given that the FHR is within normal limits with external monitoring.
- Administration of betamethasone: This is anticipated as betamethasone is often given to promote fetal lung maturity in cases where there is a risk of preterm birth.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking fetal heart tones is the priority to assess the well-being of the fetus, especially in breech presentation and after the membranes have ruptured.
Choice B rationale
Preparing for a cesarean birth is important but follows the assessment of fetal heart tones and other immediate measures.
Choice C rationale
Checking the color, amount, and odor of the fluid is important, but ensuring fetal heart tones comes first to monitor any distress.
Choice D rationale
Performing a Nitrazine test to assess for rupture of membranes is redundant once the client reports her water has broken.
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