A primigravida client at 36-weeks gestation is admitted to the labor and delivery unit because her membranes ruptured 30 minutes ago. Initial assessment indicates a 2 cm cervical dilatation, 50% effaced, -2 station, vertex presentation, greenish-colored amniotic fluid, and contractions occurring every 3 to 5 minutes, with a decrease in fetal heart rate after the last four contraction peaks. Which action should the nurse implement first?

A. Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 6 hours for temperature greater than 101°F (38.3°C): While controlling fever is important, it is not as urgent as ensuring adequate oxygenation and
monitoring of vital signs. Fever can be managed once the client's respiratory status is stabilized.

B. Place the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor

The correct answer is B. Placing the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor is crucial to continuously monitor vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and cardiac rhythm. Given the client's reported difficulty breathing, this order takes priority to assess the severity of respiratory distress and ensure timely intervention if needed.

C. Start oxygen 3 L/minute via nasal cannula

The correct answer is C. Initiating oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation and respiratory function, especially in a patient with reported difficulty breathing. Administering oxygen can help alleviate hypoxemia and reduce the workload on the respiratory system. This intervention takes precedence in addressing the client's acute respiratory symptoms.
D. Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is important for further evaluation of the client's respiratory status, but it is not as immediate as placing the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor and initiating oxygen therapy.
E. Run 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour: Initiating IV fluids is important, but it is not as urgent as addressing the client's respiratory distress and oxygenation needs.
F. Start a peripheral IV: Starting a peripheral IV is necessary for administering medications and fluids, but it can be done after placing the client on a monitor and starting oxygen therapy.

G. Sputum culture: While obtaining a sputum culture is important for identifying the causative organism of the respiratory infection, it is not as urgent as addressing the client's immediate respiratory distress.
H. NPO: NPO status may be necessary for certain diagnostic tests or procedures, but it does not take priority over addressing the client's respiratory distress and oxygenation needs.

A. Every 5 minutes for 30 minutes is crucial after paracentesis to closely monitor for signs of hypovolemia, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure. After this initial intensive monitoring period, the frequency can be reduced to every 4 hours to assess for any delayed effects or complications.

B. Every 5 minutes for one hour is a shorter duration of monitoring compared to option A and

may not provide adequate time to detect and respond to any significant changes in blood pressure that could occur after paracentesis, especially considering the volume of fluid removed.

C. Every 15 minutes for one hour, then every 1 hour for 2 hours provides frequent monitoring

initially, but the interval between assessments is too long after the first hour, potentially missing early signs of complications such as hypovolemia.

D. Every 1 hour for 2 hours does not provide sufficient frequency of monitoring, especially during the critical immediate post-paracentesis period when rapid changes in blood pressure can occur. This schedule may delay the detection and management of complications.