A patient’s labor is induced using an intravenous infusion of 1,000 mL Ringer’s lactate with 10 units of oxytocin.
Two hours later, the nurse notes a pattern of late fetal heart rate decelerations detected on the fetal monitor.Which action is essential for the nurse to take first?

Document the findings.

Pause the oxytocin infusion.

Raise the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees.

Notify the health care provider.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

This is because late fetal heart rate decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which is excessive and frequent contractions that reduce blood flow to the placenta.Therefore, stopping the oxytocin infusion can help improve placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation.

Choice A is wrong because documenting the findings is not a priority action in this situation.

The nurse should first intervene to address the cause of late decelerations and then document the actions and outcomes.

Choice C is wrong because raising the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees does not directly affect the placental blood flow or fetal oxygenation.

It may help with maternal comfort and breathing, but it is not an essential action for late decelerations.

Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.The nurse should first attempt to correct the cause of late decelerations by pausing the oxytocin infusion and then notify the health care provider if there is no improvement or if there are other signs of fetal distress.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. The client is trying to reassure herself concerning the present situation.This is a common coping strategy for women who face the risk of preterm labor and delivery.The client may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or denial about the possible outcomes of her pregnancy.

Choice B is wrong because coping as expected in this situation implies that there is a normal or standard way of coping with preterm labor, which is not true.Different women may cope differently depending on their personal, social, and emotional factors.

Choice C is wrong because anxious to see the new baby does not reflect the client’s statement.

The client is not expressing excitement or eagerness about the birth, but rather a rationalization that everything will be okay despite the risks.

Choice D is wrong because able to use previously learned knowledge in a new situation does not apply to the client’s statement.

The client is not using her sister’s experience as a source of information or guidance, but rather as a way of minimizing or dismissing her own situation.

A. This patient should begin to time the contractions. B. This patient should document fetal activity daily. C. This patient may be losing her mucus plug. D. This patient’s contractions are normal at this time.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy, but are more noticeable in the third trimester.They do not indicate labor, but rather help in softening and ripening the cervix.

Choice A is wrong because the patient does not need to time the contractions unless they become regular, painful, and closer together, which are signs of true labor.

Choice B is wrong because documenting fetal activity daily is not related to Braxton Hicks contractions.Fetal activity is monitored to assess fetal well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress.

Choice C is wrong because losing the mucus plug is also not related to Braxton Hicks contractions.The mucus plug is a thick plug of mucus that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy and may be expelled before or during labor.

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A patient’s labor is induced using an intravenous infusion of 1,000 mL Ringer’s lactate with 10 units of oxytocin. Two hours later, the nurse notes a pattern of late fetal heart rate decelerations detected on the fetal monitor.Which action is essential for the nurse to take first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client in preterm labor tells the nurse, “It’s okay that I am in labor.I’m not worried. My sister’s baby was born this early, and he is doing great.” How should the nurse interpret this statement by the client? The client is:.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient who is 33 weeks pregnant has been experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions.Which information should the nurse include in responding to this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a primigravida whose cervix is 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the fetal presenting part is at +2 station. The patient says to the nurse, “I want an epidural now.Why won’t someone give me an epidural?” Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

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A patient is scheduled for an amniocentesis when she is 18 weeks pregnant. Which instruction concerning amniocentesis should the nurse give to the patient?

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A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old primigravida who is in the last month of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Which measure is most appropriate to include in the patient’s plan of care?

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The newborn of a patient suspected to have used drugs during the prenatal period is admitted to the nursery.The nurse caring for the newborn notes that the infant is beginning to exhibit signs of drug withdrawal.Which action should the nurse take?

A patient’s labor is induced using an intravenous infusion of 1,000 mL Ringer’s lactate with 10 units of oxytocin.
Two hours later, the nurse notes a pattern of late fetal heart rate decelerations detected on the fetal monitor.Which action is essential for the nurse to take first?