“A nurse is caring for a patient who reports spontaneous rupture of membranes.

The nurse observes fetal bradycardia on the FHR tracing and notices that the umbilical cord is protruding.

After calling for assistance and notifying the provider, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?”

Choice A rationale
Administering an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s is not the best action for a client with peripartum cardiomyopathy. This condition is a form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months postpartum. It can lead to fluid overload, so giving an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s could exacerbate the client’s condition.
Choice B rationale
Assessing blood pressure twice daily is important for any postpartum client, but it is not the most critical action for a client with peripartum cardiomyopathy. This condition can lead to fluid overload and heart failure, so while monitoring blood pressure is important, it is not the primary intervention.
Choice C rationale
Restricting daily oral fluid intake is the correct action. Peripartum cardiomyopathy can lead to fluid overload and heart failure. Restricting fluid intake can help manage the client’s fluid status and prevent exacerbation of heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription for misoprostol is not relevant in this context. Misoprostol is a medication used to prevent stomach ulcers in patients taking NSAIDs and to induce labor or cause an abortion. It has no role in the management of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Choice A rationale
Administering Oxytocin to the client is an important intervention for postpartum hemorrhage, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions which can help control bleeding, but it should be administered after the initial steps of assessing the uterus and ensuring it is firm.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the client’s fundus is the priority action to address excessive vaginal bleeding. A firm, well-contracted uterine fundus often helps to control postpartum bleeding. If the uterus is not well contracted, gentle massage is often sufficient to stimulate contractions. If the uterus does not respond to massage, then further interventions such as administering Oxytocin may be necessary.
Choice C rationale
Providing oxygen to the client via a non-rebreather face mask is an intervention that might be necessary if the client shows signs of hypoxia or shock as a result of the bleeding. However, it is not the first action that should be taken.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the client’s bladder is important as a distended bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with contractions, leading to increased bleeding. However, this is not the first action to take.