A pregnant woman's amniotic membranes rupture and a prolapsed umbilical cord is found. What intervention would be the first priority?
Placing the woman in the knee-chest position.
Starting oxygen by facemask.
Preparing the woman for a vaginal birth.
Covering the cord in sterile gauze soaked in saline.
The Correct Answer is A
In the case of a prolapsed umbilical cord, the first priority intervention is to relieve pressure on the cord. Placing the woman in the knee-chest position or Trendelenburg position with the hips elevated is the best way to achieve this. This position helps to reduce the compression of the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
Option B is incorrect because while oxygen may be necessary, relieving pressure on the cord is the priority.
Option C is incorrect because a vaginal birth should not proceed with a prolapsed umbilical cord, as it can cause cord compression and fetal distress.
Option D is incorrect because covering the cord in sterile gauze soaked in saline is not a priority intervention and may not be effective in relieving pressure on the cord.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The most common indication for a vacuum-assisted delivery is a prolonged second stage of labor, which means that the mother has been pushing for an extended period without effective descent of the fetal head. The vacuum can help to provide traction to the fetal head and assist with delivery.
Option A is incorrect because a vacuum-assisted delivery is not indicated for the prevention of fetal abnormalities.
Option B is incorrect because a vacuum-assisted delivery is not indicated for the prevention of maternal hemorrhage.
Option D is incorrect because a prolonged first stage of labor is not an indication of
vacuum-assisted delivery. In this case, other interventions, such as augmentation of labor with oxytocin, may be used.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Epidural blocks are commonly used during labor to provide pain relief. However, they can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, known as epidural-induced hypotension, which can affect fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate. Therefore, it is important to monitor maternal blood pressure frequently after an epidural block is administered.
While monitoring the maternal pulse is also important, hypotension is the most common complication of epidural anesthesia and can lead to decreased blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, monitoring maternal blood pressure is the priority.
Monitoring the fetus is also important, but it is not the most important intervention after an epidural block. Limiting parenteral fluids may be necessary in some cases to help prevent or treat hypotension, but it is not always necessary and should be done based on the individual situation.
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