A patient states, “My water just broke.” The nurse verifies that her membranes have ruptured spontaneously.
Which action should the nurse take next?
Check the specific gravity of the amniotic fluid.
Provide dry linens for the patient.
Auscultate the fetal heart sounds.
Notify the health care provider.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Auscultate the fetal heart sounds. This is because spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) may be associated with fetal distress or cord prolapse, and the nurse should assess the fetal well-being as soon as possible. Fetal heart sounds can indicate the presence of fetal bradycardia, tachycardia, or decelerations, which may require immediate intervention.
Choice A is wrong because checking the specific gravity of the amniotic fluid is not a priority action after SROM. The specific gravity can help differentiate amniotic fluid from urine, but it is not as reliable as other methods such as nitrazine paper test or visual inspection.
Choice B is wrong because providing dry linens for the patient is a comfort measure, but not a priority action after SROM. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the fetus and the mother before attending to their comfort needs.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is an important action after SROM, but not the first one. The nurse should gather relevant data such as fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs, and characteristics of the fluid before contacting the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. She works as a part-time oncology nurse.This is because oncology nurses are exposed toteratogenic agents, which are substances that can cause abnormalities in an exposed fetus.Teratogenic agents can cross the placenta and alter fetal morphology or function.Examples of teratogenic agents are lead, methyl mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, lithium, vitamin K antagonists, tobacco, rubella, cytomegalovirus, ionizing agents, hyperthermia, diabetes, and some drugs.
Choice A is wrong because living with two dogs at home does not pose a high risk for exposure to teratogenic agents.Dogs can be beneficial for pregnant women as they provide companionship and exercise.
Choice C is wrong because being a lacto-ova vegetarian does not pose a high risk for exposure to teratogenic agents.Lacto-ova vegetarians can get adequate nutrition from plant-based foods, dairy products, and eggs.
Choice D is wrong because commuting to work on a train does not pose a high risk for exposure to teratogenic agents.Trains are a safe and convenient mode of transportation for pregnant women.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because urine toxicology studies can detect the presence of cocaine and other drugs in the body of the pregnant woman and her unborn baby.Cocaine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby, such as high blood pressure, premature labor, low birth weight, and developmental problems.
Choice A is wrong because urine estriol levels are used to measure the activity of the placenta and the fetal adrenal glands.They are not related to cocaine use.
Choice B is wrong because serum bilirubin levels are used to assess the liver function and the risk of jaundice in newborns.They are not related to cocaine use.
Choice D is wrong because lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio is used to evaluate the fetal lung maturity and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.It is not related to cocaine use.
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