Which of the following is the priority nursing action for a client at 33 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placenta previa?
Insert an IV catheter.
Monitor vaginal bleeding.
Apply an external fetal monitor.
Administer glucocorticoids.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Inserting an IV catheter is a standard procedure in many hospital admissions and can be necessary for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the immediate priority in the case of placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, and the main risk associated with it is bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring vaginal bleeding is the priority nursing action for a client with placenta previa. This condition can lead to significant bleeding, which can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. The nurse must assess the amount, color, and duration of any bleeding to make timely decisions regarding the need for further medical intervention or potential delivery if the bleeding is severe.
Choice C reason:
Applying an external fetal monitor is important to assess the fetus's well-being, especially if there is vaginal bleeding or other complications. However, it is not the first action to take. The immediate concern with placenta previa is the risk of hemorrhage, which can compromise the oxygen supply to the fetus, making monitoring maternal bleeding a higher priority.
Choice D reason:
Administering glucocorticoids may be indicated to accelerate fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery is anticipated. While this is an important consideration in the management of placenta previa, especially if there is a risk of preterm birth, it is not the first line of action. The initial focus should be on assessing and controlling any bleeding to stabilize the mother's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The left lower quadrant is not typically where fetal heart tones are auscultated when the round, firm part of the fetus (usually the head) is palpated in the fundus and the long smooth surface (indicative of the back) is on the right side. Fetal heart tones are best heard through the back of the fetus, and in this position, the back is not located in the left lower quadrant.
Choice B reason:
The right upper quadrant is the correct location to auscultate fetal heart tones in this scenario. The Leopold's maneuvers suggest that the fetus is in a cephalic presentation with its back facing the right side of the mother's abdomen. Therefore, the fetal heart tones are most likely to be heard in the right upper quadrant, just below the level of the fundus.
Choice C reason:
The right lower quadrant is generally not the area to auscultate fetal heart tones if the fetus's back is on the right side and the head is in the fundus. The heart tones are typically higher up and closer to where the back is palpated.
Choice D reason:
The left upper quadrant would not be the correct place to find fetal heart tones given the described position of the fetus. With the back on the right side, auscultation on the left would not yield the clear heart tones expected.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Introducing fluoride supplements to a newborn is not typically recommended until the age of 6 months, unless advised by a healthcare provider due to specific water supply conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that fluoride supplementation should begin at 6 months if the water supply is deficient in fluoride.
Choice B reason:
Cow's milk is not recommended for infants under the age of 1 year. Introducing cow's milk before this age can lead to iron deficiency and potentially cause harm to the infant's developing kidneys. It also lacks the proper nutrients that infants require, which are found in breast milk or formula.
Choice C reason:
The AAP recommends that fruit juice should not be introduced to infants before 6 months of age. Before this age, babies should only be fed breast milk or formula. Introducing fruit juice too early can contribute to excessive weight gain and tooth decay.
Choice D reason:
The introduction of solid foods is recommended to start at around 6 months of age. Starting solid foods at 3 months is too early and can increase the risk of choking and may lead to the development of food allergies.
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