Scenario

A nurse is caring for a 26-year-old gravida 2 para 1 female client in the labor and delivery unit. The client delivered vaginally three years ago under epidural anesthesia. She is now in active labor and has been admitted for monitoring and pain management.

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is progressing and ready for an epidural. Select three findings which indicate that this client is ready for epidural anesthesia.

Complete the sentence: The nurse teaches the client about the fetus's reaction to labor by explaining that early decelerations indicate head compression and assessing fetal heart rate patterns before, during, and after contractions.

Rationale for correct answer: Explaining that early decelerations indicate head compression is correct because early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions. This is a common finding during labor and usually not a sign of fetal distress. It indicates that the fetus is descending through the birth canal, causing temporary compression of the fetal head, which leads to a brief decrease in heart rate.

Assessing fetal heart rate patterns before, during, and after contractions is correct because it provides a comprehensive understanding of how the fetus responds to labor. Monitoring the fetal heart rate throughout the contraction cycle helps identify patterns of variability, decelerations, and accelerations, ensuring that the fetus is tolerating labor well.

Rationale for incorrect answers: Choice A rationale: Identifying early decelerations as a sign of fetal distress is incorrect because early decelerations are generally benign and related to head compression. They are not typically a sign of fetal distress. Late or variable decelerations are more concerning and may indicate fetal distress.

Choice C rationale: Stating that early decelerations require immediate intervention is incorrect because early decelerations do not usually require immediate intervention. They are a normal finding during labor caused by head compression. Interventions are necessary for late or variable decelerations, which indicate possible fetal compromise.

Choice D rationale: Noting that early decelerations suggest umbilical cord compression is incorrect because early decelerations are not typically associated with umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations are more likely to indicate cord compression, requiring closer monitoring and possible intervention.

TRALI is a life-threatening condition associated with blood transfusion. The client’s symptoms, including trauma and low hemoglobin, indicate the need for transfusion. TRALI can cause acute respiratory distress shortly after transfusion. Early intervention can improve outcomes. Recognizing the signs of TRALI is essential in such scenarios.

Rationale for actions

Administer oxygen: Oxygen supplementation can help manage hypoxemia associated with TRALI. It ensures adequate oxygenation during respiratory distress. Monitor for respiratory distress: Continuous assessment helps detect worsening symptoms. Early detection can prompt timely intervention. Rationale for parameters: Oxygen saturation: Monitoring SpO2 provides real-time information on the patient’s oxygenation status. It helps determine the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Heart rate: Tachycardia can indicate worsening respiratory distress or hypoxemia. Monitoring heart rate is crucial for early detection of complications.

Rationale for incorrect conditions

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO): TACO involves fluid overload, leading to cardiac symptoms. However, this client’s presentation suggests acute lung injury, not fluid overload. Incorrect conditions (others): Abandonment: Not applicable as the client was brought to the hospital and received care. Physical abuse: No evidence of physical abuse in this case. Self-neglect: The client is a child, and the injury was accidental, not due to neglect. The parents brought him to the hospital promptly.