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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Reporting the situation to the provider and preparing for induction of labor may be premature without first attempting to stimulate fetal movement. Nonstress tests can have periods of no observed movement without indicating immediate distress or the need for labor induction.

Choice B reason:
Turning the client onto her left side can improve uteroplacental blood flow, which might indirectly stimulate fetal movement. However, this action alone may not be sufficient to prompt fetal activity during a nonstress test.

Choice C reason:
Encouraging the client to walk around could potentially stimulate fetal movement, but it is not the standard initial response during a nonstress test. Walking without monitoring may also miss capturing any potential movements that occur during that time.

Choice D reason:
Offering the client a snack of orange juice and crackers is a common and non-invasive method to encourage fetal movement. The natural sugars in the orange juice can increase the baby's blood glucose levels, potentially leading to increased activity that can be observed on the nonstress test.

A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. B. Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion. C. Massage the client's fundus to promote contractions. D. Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can be helpful in measuring urine output and reducing bladder distention, which may impede uterine contractions. However, it is not the immediate next step in managing postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice B reason:
Administering oxytocin by continuous IV infusion is a standard intervention to promote uterine contractions after delivery, which helps to control bleeding. However, before starting an oxytocin infusion, it is important to ensure that there are no retained placental fragments and that the uterus is not already well-contracted.

Choice C reason:
Massaging the client's fundus is the priority action because it can stimulate uterine contractions, which are essential for controlling postpartum bleeding. A firm, contracted uterus helps to compress the blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding.

Choice D reason:
Tilting the client onto her right side with her legs elevated can help improve venous return and may be part of the management for shock. However, the immediate concern in a postpartum client with excessive bleeding is to manage the bleeding by promoting uterine contractions.

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Which of the following is the priority nursing action for a client at 33 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placenta previa?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is having a nonstress test performed. The fetal heart rate (FHR) is 130 to 150/min, but there has been no fetal movement for 15 minutes. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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