The nurse notes on the fetal monitor that a laboring client has a variable deceleration. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Administer oxygen via facemask.
Turn off the oxytocin infusion
Assess cervical dilatation
Change the client's position
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administer oxygen via facemask: Oxygen administration is generally a step in managing fetal distress. However, when dealing with variable decelerations, the initial action involves repositioning the mother to alleviate potential cord compression, as variable decelerations are often due to compression of the umbilical cord.
B. Turn off the oxytocin infusion: If variable decelerations persist despite repositioning, it might be necessary to discontinue the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion temporarily. Oxytocin can cause or exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, which can contribute to fetal distress.
C. Assess cervical dilatation: Assessing cervical dilatation might be a part of the overall assessment but might not directly address the immediate issue of variable decelerations. However, it's essential to monitor the progress of labor as part of the broader assessment.
D. Change the client's position: This is the recommended first action for variable decelerations. Repositioning the mother, such as moving her to a lateral or knee-chest position, can relieve potential cord compression and improve fetal oxygenation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Sleep deprivation:
While sleep is important for overall well-being, it may not be the top priority in this case. Fluid volume excess, given the client's cardiac history, poses a more immediate threat to health.
B. Fluid volume excess:
Clients with heart damage are prone to heart failure, and managing fluid balance is crucial. Excess fluid can worsen cardiac function, making this the priority concern.
C. Nausea and vomiting:
While nausea and vomiting are significant concerns, they might not be as directly related to the client's cardiac history as fluid volume excess. However, if severe, it could contribute to fluid imbalance.
D. Risk for infection:
Infection is a concern for postpartum clients, but in this case, the client's history of rheumatic fever and heart damage takes precedence. The priority is to prevent complications related to heart failure.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Place client in a negative pressure room:HIV is not an airborne disease, and clients with HIV do not require isolation in a negative pressure room. Standard precautions are sufficient to prevent transmission.
B. Implement droplet precautions:HIV is not transmitted via droplets. It is transmitted through contact with blood, certain body fluids, or perinatal exposure. Droplet precautions are not indicated.
C. Encourage the mother to bottle-feed: HIV can be transmitted through breast milk. To prevent vertical transmission postpartum, mothers with HIV are advised to avoid breastfeeding and to use formula or bottle-feed instead.
D. Give antiviral medication intravenously: Intrapartum IV zidovudine should be administered in the following situations: (a) HIV RNA >1,000 copies/mL, (b) unknown HIV RNA, (c) known or suspected lack of adherence since the last HIV RNA result, or (d) a positive expedited antigen/antibody HIV test result during labor (AI).
E. Use standard precautions:Standard precautions are the appropriate infection control measures for caring for clients with HIV. This includes wearing gloves, practicing proper hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with the client's blood and other potentially infectious fluids.
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