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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
The deltoid muscle, while commonly used for IM injections in older children and adults, is not the preferred site for newborns due to their underdeveloped muscle mass in this area. Administering an injection in the deltoid could increase the risk of injury to the surrounding nerves and tissues in newborns.

Choice B reason:
The vastus lateralis muscle is the recommended site for IM injections in newborns. It is the preferred location because it is the largest muscle in the thigh and has sufficient mass to absorb the medication effectively. This muscle is located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh and is considered the safest site with the least risk of damaging blood vessels, nerves, or bone.

Choice C reason:
The dorsogluteal muscle, located in the buttocks, was once a common site for IM injections. However, it is no longer recommended due to the high risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and significant blood vessels in the area. Additionally, the fat content in the buttocks can affect the absorption of the medication.

Choice D reason:
The ventrogluteal muscle, also located in the hip area, is another site for IM injections but is more suitable for older children and adults. For newborns, the vastus lateralis remains the preferred site due to easier access and less risk of complications.

A. Encourage the client to move to the left lateral position. B. Ask the client to rate her pain. C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void. D. Encourage the client to perform Kegel exercises.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice a Reason: Encourage the client to move to the left lateral position

Moving to the left lateral position is often recommended to improve circulation and prevent compression of the vena cava by the uterus in a pregnant client. However, in the case of a boggy fundus postpartum, this position is not the primary action to be taken.

Choice b Reason: Ask the client to rate her pain

While assessing pain is important in the postpartum period, it is not the immediate action required for a boggy fundus. A boggy fundus indicates that the uterus is not contracting properly, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

Choice c Reason: Assist the client to the bathroom to void

A boggy fundus that is displaced to the right often indicates a full bladder, which can prevent the uterus from contracting effectively. Assisting the client to the bathroom to void can help the uterus contract and reduce the risk of hemorrhage.

Choice d Reason: Encourage the client to perform Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are beneficial for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth. However, they are not the immediate action to take for a boggy fundus postpartum

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K by IM injection to a newborn. The nurse should administer the medication into which of the following muscles?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and finds the fundus slightly boggy and displaced to the right. Based on these findings, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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