A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient who is having induction of labor 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/minute, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction and a return to baseline after the contraction is over.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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 selution.

Slow the client's rate of breathing.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Incorrect. Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin would worsen the uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress that are indicated by the frequent, long, and strong contractions and uniform decelerations.
B.   Correct. Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin would stop the uterine hyperstimulation and allow the fetus to recover from hypoxia.
C.   Incorrect. Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution would not affect the uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress, as they are caused by the oxytocin, not by the fluid volume.
D.   Incorrect. Slowing the client's rate of breathing would not help with the uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress, as they are not related to maternal hyperventilation or respiratory alkalosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A: Elevated temperature during labor may be common and is not the nurse's first priority, especially when the client is receiving epidural analgesia, as it can be related to the stress of labor or other factors.
B: Reduced sensation of the lower extremities is an expected effect of epidural analgesia, and it is not the nurse's first priority unless it leads to complications such as motor weakness or respiratory distress.
C: Generalized itching is a common side effect of epidural analgesia due to opioids, and it can be managed with interventions such as antihistamines. However, it is not the nurse's first priority unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
D: Epidural analgesia can cause vasodilation and decrease the client's blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension. Hypotension can be detrimental to both the mother and the baby and requires immediate attention to prevent complications. Therefore, the nurse's first priority is to address the low blood pressure.

A. Retained bile in the liver results in delayed digestion. B. Increased estrogen production causes increased secretion of hydrochloric acid. C. Pressure from the growing uterus displaces the stomach. D. Increased progesterone production causes relaxation of the smooth muscle relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and delayed gastric emptying.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Retained bile in the liver results in delayed digestion: This statement is not related to the cause of heartburn.
B) Increased estrogen production causes increased secretion of hydrochloric acid: While hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to heartburn, it is specifically increased progesterone that leads to relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and delayed gastric emptying, which are more directly linked to heartburn.
C) Pressure from the growing uterus displaces the stomach: Uterine pressure on the stomach can lead to a feeling of fullness, but it is not the primary cause of heartburn during pregnancy.
D) Increased progesterone production causes relaxation of the smooth muscle relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and delayed gastric emptying: This is the correct answer. Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to gastric acid reflux into the esophagus and causing heartburn.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 12 weeks gestation. The client asks about the cause of her heartburn. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 18 weeks of gestation. The client tells the nurse that she felt fluttering movements in her abdomen 3 days ago. The nurse should interpret this finding as which of the following?

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?

A nurse is teaching a group of clients who are in their first trimester about exercise during pregnancy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

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 is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions. The client states that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not." Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the most reliable sign of true labor?

A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a healthy term newborn via cesarean birth. The client asks the nurse, "Is there a chance that I could deliver my next baby without having a cesarean section?" Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action immediately following this procedure?