A patient’s umbilical cord prolapses during labor induction with oxytocin infusion.
Which action by the nurse takes priority?
Stop oxytocin infusion immediately
Place patient in knee-chest position
Apply pressure to presenting part with hand
Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Apply pressure to presenting part with hand.
This is because cord prolapse is an emergency situation that requires immediate delivery to save the fetus. Applying pressure to the presenting part with hand can help relieve the compression of the cord and maintain fetal oxygenation until delivery.
Choice A is wrong because stopping oxytocin infusion will not prevent cord compression or fetal hypoxia. Oxytocin may be stopped after applying pressure to the presenting part and notifying the physician.
Choice B is wrong because placing the patient in knee-chest position may not be effective in relieving cord compression.
It may also be uncomfortable and difficult for the patient to maintain. A better position would be Trendelenburg or modified Sims.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask is not a priority action. Oxygen may be given after applying pressure to the presenting part and notifying the physician, but it will not improve fetal oxygenation if the cord is compressed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The cord is hidden, often next to but not in front of the fetal head.This is called anoccult cord prolapseand it occurs when the umbilical cord descends alongside–but not past–the presenting part of the baby.Occult cords can occur with ruptured or intact membranes.They can cause hypoxia, brain injury, and permanent disability in a baby, so medical personnel must address them rapidly and appropriately.
Choice A is wrong because it describes anovert cord prolapse, which means that the cord slips down into your cervix and vagina ahead of your baby during delivery.This is a medical emergency that can cut off your baby’s blood and oxygen supply during delivery.
Choice C is wrong because it describes avisible cord prolapse, which is a type of overt cord prolapse where the cord is visible or palpable outside of the vagina.This is also a medical emergency that requires immediate delivery.
Choice D is wrong because it describes anuchal cord, which means that the cord is wrapped around the fetal neck or body.This is not a prolapse, but it can cause complications such as reduced blood flow, fetal distress, or umbilical cord strangulation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Apply pressure to presenting part with hand.
This is because cord prolapse is an emergency situation that requires immediate delivery to save the fetus.Applying pressure to the presenting part with hand can help relieve the compression of the cord and maintain fetal oxygenation until delivery.
Choice A is wrong because stopping oxytocin infusion will not prevent cord compression or fetal hypoxia.Oxytocin may be stopped after applying pressure to the presenting part and notifying the physician.
Choice B is wrong because placing the patient in knee-chest position may not be effective in relieving cord compression.
It may also be uncomfortable and difficult for the patient to maintain.A better position would be Trendelenburg or modified Sims.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask is not a priority action.Oxygen may be given after applying pressure to the presenting part and notifying the physician, but it will not improve fetal oxygenation if the cord is compressed.
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