A patient’s amniotic fluid is meconium-stained. Which action should the nurse plan to take?
Take the mother’s vital signs every 15 minutes.
Send a specimen of the fluid to the laboratory for analysis.
Have a suction catheter available for use at delivery.
Prepare a slide of the fluid for fern testing.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Have a suction catheter available for use at delivery. This is because meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicates that the fetus has passed meconium (first stool) before birth, which can be a sign of fetal distress or hypoxia. Meconium can block the airways and cause breathing problems for the newborn, so suctioning the mouth and nose (or the trachea if needed) is important to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because taking the mother’s vital signs every 15 minutes is not a specific intervention for meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Vital signs should be monitored regularly during labor regardless of the fluid color.
Choice B is wrong because sending a specimen of the fluid to the laboratory for analysis is not a priority action.The color and consistency of the fluid can be observed by the nurse and documented.
The laboratory analysis will not change the immediate management of the newborn.
Choice D is wrong because preparing a slide of the fluid for fern testing is not relevant for meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Fern testing is used to confirm the rupture of membranes by detecting a fern-like pattern of amniotic fluid under a microscope.It is not useful for assessing the presence or severity of meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Leaning slightly backwards when walking can increase the curvature of the lower spine and worsen back pain.
The other choices are helpful methods to alleviate back pain during pregnancy.
Choice A is correct because pelvic tilt exercises can strengthen the abdominal muscles and reduce the strain on the lower back.
Choice B is correct because wearing shoes with low heels can improve posture and balance and prevent excessive arching of the lower back.
Choice C is correct because sleeping on the side with a pillow beneath the knees can support the spine and pelvis and relieve pressure on the lower back.
Normal ranges for back pain during pregnancy vary depending on the individual, but some common factors that can affect it are weight gain, hormonal changes, center of gravity shift, stress and muscle separation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The client should avoid sexual intercourse.Sexual intercourse may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of preterm labor.The client should also avoid activities that may cause dehydration, infection, or stress.
Choice A is wrong because documenting urine output hourly is not necessary for a client with preterm labor who is discharged home.Urine output may be affected by hydration status, kidney function, or medication use, but it is not a reliable indicator of preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because maintaining a darkened, quiet environment is not required for a client with preterm labor who is discharged home.The client may benefit from rest and relaxation, but there is no evidence that light or noise affects preterm labor.
Choice D is wrong because eating small, frequent meals is not specific to a client with preterm labor who is discharged home.Eating small, frequent meals may help with nausea, heartburn, or blood sugar control, but it does not prevent preterm labor.
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