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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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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