When contributing to the plan of care for the 4th stage of labor, the nurse should recognize the client is at the greatest risk of developing which of the following complications?
Vaginal hematoma.
Hypoglycemia.
Chorioamnionitis.
Uterine hemorrhage.
Dehiscence.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Vaginal hematoma is not the most significant risk in the 4th stage of labor. While vaginal hematomas can occur due to trauma during delivery, they are less common and usually manageable compared to other complications.
Choice B rationale:
Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication in the 4th stage of labor. This stage refers to the immediate postpartum period, during which the mother's blood sugar levels may decrease slightly, but it is not the greatest concern at this stage.
Choice C rationale:
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid. While it can be a concern during labor, the question specifically refers to the 4th stage, which occurs after the delivery of the placenta. Chorioamnionitis is more relevant to earlier stages of labor.
Choice D rationale:
Uterine hemorrhage is the greatest risk during the 4th stage of labor. This stage, also known as the "placental stage,”. is when the uterus contracts to expel the placenta. If the uterus fails to contract adequately, it can lead to significant bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is a critical concern that requires immediate attention to prevent complications.
Choice E rationale:
Dehiscence, which refers to the reopening of a surgical wound, is not a common complication during the 4th stage of labor. The 4th stage primarily focuses on uterine contraction and placental delivery, making dehiscence less relevant in this context.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not advise the client to take deep, cleansing breaths before and after each contraction because it can interfere with the natural urge to push and may not be effective in helping with the labor process. When a client feels the urge to push, it is essential to work with their body's natural instincts.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client to hold their breath and push while counting to ten is not recommended. This Valsalva manoeuvre can cause a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which may reduce blood flow to the heart and brain and may be harmful to both the client and the baby. It's crucial to promote safe pushing techniques during labor.
Choice C rationale:
The instruction to push continuously throughout the entire contraction is also not ideal. Pushing continuously can lead to exhaustion and decrease the effectiveness of each push. It's essential to guide the client on when and how to push effectively to prevent unnecessary fatigue.
Choice D rationale:
The correct instruction is to let the client know when to push according to their contractions. The urge to push is a natural reflex that signifies the baby's descent into the birth canal. The nurse should encourage the client to listen to their body and push when they feel the urge during the contractions. This approach optimizes the client's efforts and conserves their energy for delivery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should state, "The purpose of this medication is to boost fetal lung maturity.”. The rationale behind this choice is that betamethasone is a corticosteroid medication commonly administered to women at risk of preterm delivery between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. Its primary goal is to accelerate fetal lung maturation by promoting the production of surfactant, a substance that coats the lungs and prevents their collapse. By enhancing lung development, the medication helps reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other respiratory complications that premature infants might face. It does not directly impact fetal heart rate (Choice A), halt cervical dilation (Choice B), or stop preterm labor contractions (Choice C).
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not state, "The purpose of this medication is to increase the fetal heart rate.”. Betamethasone does not affect the fetal heart rate, as it is primarily used to enhance lung maturity, as mentioned earlier. The incorrect statement may lead to confusion and misunderstanding of the medication's intended purpose.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should not state, "The purpose of this medication is to halt cervical dilation.”. Betamethasone does not stop or halt cervical dilation. Its main action is on the fetal lungs to promote surfactant production. Cervical dilation is a natural process that occurs during labor and is not influenced by this medication.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should not state, "The purpose of this medication is to stop preterm labor contractions.”. Betamethasone is not used to stop or prevent preterm labor contractions directly. Instead, its focus is on improving fetal lung maturity to enhance the baby's respiratory function once born prematurely.
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