The nurse examines a client who is admitted in active labor and determines the cervix is 3 cm dilated 50% effaced, and the presenting part is at 0 station. An hour later. she tells the nurse that she wants to go to the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Review the fetal heart rate pattern
Check the pH of the vaginal fluid
Determine cervical dilation.
Palpate the client's bladder
The Correct Answer is D
A. Review the fetal heart rate pattern: Checking the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern is crucial during labor to ensure the baby is tolerating labor well and there are no signs of fetal distress. However, when the client expresses a need to use the bathroom, this may not be the immediate action required.
B. Check the pH of the vaginal fluid: Checking the pH of the vaginal fluid is not typically an initial action when a laboring client expresses a need to go to the bathroom. Monitoring the pH may be relevant for various reasons, but it's not a primary consideration in this context.
C. Determine cervical dilation: The initial examination revealed the cervix was 3 cm dilated. While reassessing the cervical dilation could provide information about the progress of labor, it may not be the most immediate action needed when the client wants to use the bathroom.
D. Palpate the client's bladder: This is the most relevant action when a laboring client expresses a desire to go to the bathroom. Palpating the bladder can help determine if it's full, which is important because a full bladder might impede labor progress or cause discomfort during contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Inspect the client's face for edema:
Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy may be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can involve fluid retention. Edema, particularly in the face, is one of the signs that the nurse should assess for in determining if preeclampsia is a concern.
Ascertain the frequency of headaches:
Frequent headaches can be a symptom of various conditions, including preeclampsia. Gathering information about the frequency and characteristics of headaches can provide additional data for assessing the client's overall condition.
Evaluate for history of cluster headaches:
Cluster headaches, while severe, are not typically associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This information might not be directly relevant to the client's current symptoms.
Observe and time client's contractions:
Contractions are not typically associated with nausea, vomiting, or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This action may not address the primary concerns presented by the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Chromosomal abnormalities:
While an ultrasound can sometimes identify structural abnormalities, it's not the primary tool for detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic testing or procedures like amniocentesis are more specific for this purpose.
B. Sex and size of the infant:
An ultrasound is indeed used to determine the sex of the baby and assess its size and growth.
C. Lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio:
The lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio is typically assessed in tests related to fetal lung maturity, which is not the primary purpose of a routine ultrasound.
D. Fetal growth and gestational age:
This is one of the primary purposes of a routine ultrasound during pregnancy. It helps evaluate the baby's growth and ensures it aligns with the expected gestational age.
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