A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient undergoing labor induction with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line.
Uterine contractions occur every 2 minutes, last 90 seconds, and are strong to palpation.
The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/min, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction and a return to baseline after the contraction is over.
What action should the nurse take?
Slow the client’s rate of breathing.
Increase the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin.
Discontinue the infusion of the IV oxytocin.
Decrease the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Slowing the client’s rate of breathing would not directly address the issue of strong, frequent contractions and uniform decelerations of the fetal heart rate. These symptoms suggest uterine hyperstimulation, which can compromise fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin would likely exacerbate the problem, as oxytocin can cause uterine hyperstimulation, leading to reduced fetal oxygen supply.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin is the appropriate action. The pattern of contractions and fetal heart rate decelerations suggest uterine hyperstimulation, which can be caused by excessive oxytocin. Stopping the oxytocin infusion can help to normalize the contraction pattern and improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution would not directly address the issue of uterine hyperstimulation and fetal heart rate decelerations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is an antibiotic that is often used to treat bacterial infections, but it is not typically the first line of treatment for herpes.
Choice B rationale
Penicillin G intravenously is a type of antibiotic that is often used to treat bacterial infections. However, herpes is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Choice C rationale
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is commonly used to treat herpes infections. It works by slowing the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. This would be the most appropriate treatment for a patient presenting with symptoms of a herpes outbreak.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone is a type of corticosteroid that is often used to reduce inflammation. While it might help to reduce some of the inflammation and discomfort associated with herpes lesions, it would not address the underlying viral infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
At the level of the umbilicus. After a vaginal delivery, the nurse should expect to find the uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus.
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