The nurse is caring for a laboring client who presents with ruptured membranes, frequent contractions, and bloody show. Which intervention should be performed first?
Establish IV access
Assess the client's vital signs
Obtain fetal heart rate
Perform a sterile vaginal exam
The Correct Answer is C
A. Establish IV access: Although important for hydration and medication administration, it is not the immediate priority when assessing the fetal condition.
B. Assess the client's vital signs: While important, the immediate assessment of fetal well-being takes precedence to ensure there is no fetal distress.
C. Obtain fetal heart rate: This is crucial to assess the fetus’s condition immediately. Monitoring the fetal heart rate can identify any signs of distress and determine if urgent interventions are necessary.
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam: This should follow the fetal heart rate assessment to check for labor progress and any complications, but it is not the first priority.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The baseline FHR can be obtained via ultrasound or auscultation: True. The baseline fetal heart rate can be assessed using ultrasound or auscultation, which are standard methods.
B. The baseline FHR can be obtained during contractions: False. The baseline fetal heart rate should be obtained in the absence of uterine contractions because contractions can temporarily alter the heart rate, making it difficult to determine the true baseline.
C. The baseline FHR is normal between 110-160 bpm: True. This is the accepted normal range for baseline fetal heart rates.
D. The baseline FHR is assessed over a 10-minute period: True. The baseline is typically assessed over a 10-minute window to account for variability and provide an accurate average.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer parenteral antibiotics. The primary concern with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is the risk of infection, so administering antibiotics is crucial to prevent infection in both the mother and fetus.
B. Prepare for delivery. Without signs of labor, the focus is on preventing infection and monitoring, not immediate delivery.
C. Provide emotional support. While important, the priority intervention is preventing infection.
D. Assess cervical dilation every 6 hours. Routine cervical checks are not typically necessary unless there are signs of labor or other indications.
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