After the delivery of the placenta, a nurse in labor and delivery examines the umbilical cord.
Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

Choice A rationale

Assessing the amniotic fluid is important after rupture of membranes, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

Choice B rationale

Walking the patient to the bathroom is not the immediate priority. After rupture of membranes, the patient should be assisted back to bed to prevent cord prolapse.

Choice C rationale

Calling and informing the healthcare provider is important, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first assist the patient back to bed and initiate fetal monitoring.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the patient back to bed and initiating fetal monitoring is the correct action. After rupture of membranes, the priority is to assess the fetal heart rate for any signs of distress, such as bradycardia, which could indicate cord prolapse.

Choice A rationale

If a client reports feeling “down” and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry, these could be signs of postpartum depression. It’s crucial to assess whether the client has considered harming her newborn, as this could indicate a severe form of postpartum depression that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale

While anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant might be part of the treatment plan for postpartum depression, it’s not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn.

Choice C rationale

Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises could be helpful, but it’s not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn.

Choice D rationale

Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is important, but it’s not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn.