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 C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus, not to compensate for decreased renal plasma flow. In fact, renal plasma flow increases by 50% to 80% during pregnancy to facilitate the excretion of metabolic wastes.

Choice B reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to ensure adequate blood supply to the uterus and other organs, not to prevent maternal and fetal dehydration. Dehydration can occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake, and it can be prevented by drinking enough fluids and replacing electrolytes.

Choice C reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, which is the main organ of gas exchange and nutrient delivery for the fetus. The placenta receives about 10% of the maternal cardiac output at term.

Choice D reason: Vascular volume increases during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus and the maternal tissues, not to eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother. Metabolic wastes are eliminated by the kidneys, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.

A. Urinary frequency. B. rupture of membranes. C. heartburn accompanied by severe headache. D. decreased libido. E. Vaginal bleeding.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Urinary frequency is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, due to the increased pressure of the uterus on the bladder. It is not a sign of complication and does not need to be reported immediately.

Choice B reason: Rupture of membranes is the breaking of the amniotic sac, which can occur spontaneously or artificially before or during labor. It is a sign of impending delivery and can increase the risk of infection. It should be reported immediately to the health care provider.

Choice C reason: Heartburn accompanied by severe headache can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. It can lead to eclampsia, which is a life-threatening seizure disorder. It should be reported immediately to the health care provider.

Choice D reason: Decreased libido is a normal change in pregnancy, due to hormonal fluctuations, physical discomfort, and emotional stress. It is not a sign of complication and does not need to be reported immediately.

Choice E reason: Vaginal bleeding can indicate various complications in pregnancy, such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or miscarriage. It can pose a threat to the mother and the fetus. It should be reported immediately to the health care provider.

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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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

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