As a woman enters the second stage of labor, her membranes spontaneously rupture. What action should the nurse take?
Check fetal heart rate
instruct her to bare down with the next contraction
Place her legs in stirrups
Test a sample of the amniotic fluid for meconium
The Correct Answer is A
A) Check fetal heart rate:
The first priority when a woman's membranes spontaneously rupture is to assess fetal well-being. The nurse should immediately check the fetal heart rate (FHR) after the rupture of membranes to evaluate for any signs of fetal distress. If there are any concerns regarding the FHR, further interventions may be needed, such as adjusting the maternal position or preparing for a possible emergent delivery. Monitoring the FHR will help guide subsequent decisions regarding care.
B) Instruct her to bear down with the next contraction:
While the second stage of labor involves pushing, it is important to wait for the appropriate signs of readiness before instructing the mother to bear down. The nurse should ensure the cervix is fully dilated and that fetal descent is progressing appropriately. Rushing into pushing too early or without proper readiness can lead to maternal and fetal complications.
C) Place her legs in stirrups:
Placing the mother’s legs in stirrups is typically done once she is in the active phase of pushing (typically when the cervix is fully dilated and fetal descent is ready). It is not the first priority immediately after the membranes rupture. The nurse should first assess the fetal heart rate and ensure the woman is comfortable and ready to push before assuming the lithotomy position or placing her legs in stirrups.
D) Test a sample of the amniotic fluid for meconium:
Testing the amniotic fluid for meconium should be done if there is concern that the amniotic fluid may be stained, as meconium in the amniotic fluid can be a sign of fetal distress. However, the first action after the membranes rupture is to check the fetal heart rate. If the FHR is normal, further actions, like testing the fluid, may follow, but the priority remains assessing fetal well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
A) Fusion of labia in female genitalia:
Fusion of the labia in a female newborn is not an expected finding. This could indicate a condition such as labial adhesion or an abnormality in the development of the genitalia. Normally, the labia in a female newborn are separated. Any signs of fusion would require further evaluation by the healthcare provider.
B) Erythema toxicum on newborn's skin:
Erythema toxicum is a common and expected finding in newborns, usually appearing within the first 2–3 days of life. It consists of small, red papules or pustules on a red base, often described as a "flea-bitten" appearance. This rash is benign and resolves on its own within a few days to weeks. It is not associated with any infection or underlying health issues.
C) Hypospadias is noted in the male newborn:
Hypospadias, a condition where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip, is not an expected finding in all newborn males. While it occurs in a small percentage of male infants, it is a congenital anomaly that would require further assessment and possibly surgical correction. It is not considered a normal finding in a newborn.
D) Presence of syndactyly in extremities:
Syndactyly, the condition where two or more fingers or toes are fused together, is not a normal finding in newborns. While it is a congenital anomaly that can occur in some infants, it is not expected and requires further evaluation and possibly surgical intervention depending on the severity.
E) Negative Ortolani sign:
A negative Ortolani sign is an expected and normal finding in a newborn. The Ortolani maneuver is used to assess for hip dislocation, and a negative result indicates that the hip is stable and not dislocated. If the Ortolani sign were positive, it would suggest the presence of a developmental hip dysplasia, which would require further diagnostic evaluation. A negative sign is considered typical and reassuring.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Goodell’s sign:
Goodell's sign refers to the softening of the cervix that occurs early in pregnancy, typically around 4–6 weeks. It is a probable sign of pregnancy due to increased vascularity and hormonal changes. However, it does not describe the movement of the fetus or the sensation felt by the provider when pressure is applied to the cervix.
B) Lightening:
Lightening refers to the sensation of the fetus dropping or descending into the pelvic cavity, which typically happens in the later stages of pregnancy (around 36 weeks or later). It is not related to the fetal movement felt by the provider through upward pressure on the cervix, but rather to the physical repositioning of the fetus as it prepares for labor.
C) Ballottement:
Ballottement is the correct term for the movement of the fetus that can be felt by the provider when upward pressure is applied to the cervix. This technique involves a gentle tapping or pushing on the cervix, causing the fetus to rise and then "bounce" back. This is a probable sign of pregnancy, typically noticeable between 16 and 18 weeks gestation.
D) Chadwick's sign:
Chadwick’s sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow and is often an early sign of pregnancy. It does not relate to the movement of the fetus felt by the provider, but rather to changes in the color of the genital tissues.
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