The practical nurse (PN) is monitoring a client who was admitted for induction of labor. As the client's labor progresses to the second stage, the fetal heart rate falls to 100 beats/minute following each contraction.
Which intervention should the PN implement first?
Administer oxygen at 10 L/face mask.
Discontinue oxytocin infusion.
Observe perineum for cord prolapse.
Reposition the client laterally.
The Correct Answer is D
Fetal heart rate (FHR) is one of the essential indicators of fetal well-being during labor. A fall in FHR following each contraction is known as recurrent deceleration and can be an indication of fetal distress. In this case, the PN should first reposition the client laterally, as this may help to alleviate compression of the umbilical cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
A. Administering oxygen at 10 L/face mask may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
B. Discontinuing oxytocin infusion may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
C. Observing perineum for cord prolapse is not necessary in this scenario.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The greatest priority for the practical nurse to monitor during the administration of epidural anesthesia is maternal blood pressure (BP). Epidural anesthesia can cause maternal hypotension due to vasodilation and decreased venous return, which can result in decreased fetal perfusion and oxygenation. Therefore, it is important for the practical nurse to monitor maternal BP frequently and promptly report any significant changes to the healthcare provider. Options A, C, and D are also important assessments, but they are not the priority in this scenario.
Therefore, options A, C, and D are not answers because they are not the priority assessment during the administration of epidural anesthesia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Limited abduction of the legs in a newborn can be a sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed. The practical nurse (PN) should notify the healthcare provider of this finding so that further assessment and appropriate intervention can be initiated.
Performing range of motion to the joint (A) is not appropriate without a healthcare provider's order. Continuing care as if this is a normal finding (B) is not appropriate because limited abduction of the legs in a newborn can be a sign of DDH. While documenting the finding in the record (D) is important, notifying the healthcare provider is the most important action for the PN to take next.
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