What is the first action that the nurse should take when assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a woman at 30 weeks of gestation and finding a rate of 82 beats/min?

Recognize that the rate is within normal limits and record it.

Notify the physician.

Assess the woman's radial pulse.

Allow the woman to hear the heartbeat.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: This is not the correct action, as the rate is not within normal limits. A normal FHR at 30 weeks of gestation is between 110 and 160 beats/min. A rate of 82 beats/min is considered bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia (low oxygen).

Choice B reason: This is not the first action, but it may be necessary after confirming the FHR. The nurse should first rule out the possibility of a maternal-fetal heart rate confusion, which can occur when the maternal heart rate is mistakenly counted as the FHR. This can happen if the Doppler or the electronic fetal monitor is placed too close to the maternal pulse or if the maternal heart rate is unusually slow².

Choice C reason: This is the correct action, as it can help differentiate between the maternal and the fetal heart rate. The nurse should assess the woman's radial pulse at the same time as listening to the FHR and compare the rates and rhythms. If the rates are the same or very close, it is likely that the nurse is hearing the maternal heart rate instead of the FHR. If the rates are different, it is likely that the nurse is hearing the FHR and that the fetus has bradycardia.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct action, as it may cause unnecessary anxiety or distress for the woman. The nurse should not allow the woman to hear the heartbeat until the FHR is confirmed and the cause of the bradycardia is determined. The nurse should also explain the situation to the woman and provide reassurance and support.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because oral antiviral therapy is not effective for PID, which is caused by bacterial infection. Antiviral therapy is used for viral infections, such as herpes or HIV.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because antibiotics only until symptoms subside is not sufficient for PID, which can cause serious complications, such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain. Antibiotics should be continued for the full course of treatment, usually 14 days, to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because frequent pelvic examination to monitor the progress of healing is not recommended for PID, which can cause inflammation and irritation of the pelvic organs. Pelvic examination should be avoided or minimized to prevent further trauma or spread of the infection.

Choice D reason: This is correct because bed rest in a semi-Fowler position is beneficial for PID, which can cause fluid accumulation and pressure in the pelvic cavity. Bed rest helps to reduce inflammation and pain, while semi-Fowler position helps to drain the fluid and prevent abscess formation.

A. Braxton Hicks contractions. B. fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife. C. a positive pregnancy test. D. quickening.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. They are a probable sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign.

Choice B reason: Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife is a positive sign of pregnancy, as it confirms the presence of a living fetus in the uterus. It can be detected as early as 16 to 20 weeks of gestation.

Choice C reason: A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy, as it indicates the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine or blood. However, it is not a definitive sign, as other conditions can cause elevated hCG levels.

Choice D reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movement by the mother, which usually occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign.

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What is the first action that the nurse should take when assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a woman at 30 weeks of gestation and finding a rate of 82 beats/min?

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