While assisting with a vacuum extraction birth, what should the nurse immediately report to the physician?
Maternal pulse rate of 100 bpm.
Maternal blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg.
Decrease in intensity of uterine contractions.
Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is: d. Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm.
Choice A: Maternal pulse rate of 100 bpm
A maternal pulse rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm) is slightly elevated but not uncommon during labor due to the physical exertion and stress involved. The normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 bpm. While it is important to monitor the maternal pulse, it is not an immediate cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as hypotension, chest pain, or signs of distress.
Choice B: Maternal blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg
A maternal blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg is within the normal range. Normal blood pressure for adults is generally considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. This reading indicates that the mother is maintaining stable blood pressure during labor, which is a positive sign. Therefore, this does not require immediate reporting to the physician.
Choice C: Decrease in intensity of uterine contractions
A decrease in the intensity of uterine contractions can be concerning as it may indicate ineffective labor, which could prolong the delivery process. However, this is typically managed by adjusting oxytocin levels or other interventions and does not require immediate reporting unless it leads to other complications such as fetal distress.
Choice D: Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm
Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm is a significant concern and should be immediately reported to the physician. Normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 bpm. Bradycardia, defined as a heart rate below 110 bpm, can indicate fetal distress, hypoxia, or other complications that may require urgent intervention to ensure the safety of the fetus. Persistent bradycardia, especially below 100 bpm, necessitates immediate medical attention to assess and address the underlying cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Changing the patient's gown may be necessary for comfort and hygiene, but it is not the priority after an amniotomy. The main concern is the well-being of the fetus and the mother.
Choice B reason:
Assessing the fetal heart rate is the priority after an amniotomy. This procedure involves rupturing the amniotic sac, which may lead to changes in the fetal environment. Monitoring the fetal heart rate helps determine if the baby is tolerating the procedure well and if there are any signs of distress.
Choice C reason:
Estimating the amount of amniotic fluid is essential during an amniotomy, but it is not the top priority. The focus should be on evaluating the fetal well-being first.
Choice D reason:
Assessing the color of the amniotic fluid is significant, but it is not the primary concern immediately after an amniotomy. While changes in fluid color may indicate certain conditions, the fetal heart rate assessment takes precedence in this situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Occasional uterine cramping when the infant nurses is a normal phenomenon that occurs as the uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size. This is not a sign of infection or complication and does not need to be reported.
Choice B reason:
Descent of the fundus one fingerbreadth each day is also a normal finding that indicates the uterus is involuting properly. The fundus is the top of the uterus that can be felt through the abdomen. It should be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after delivery and then descend about one fingerbreadth (or 1 cm) each day until it reaches the pelvic brim by 10 days postpartum.
Choice C reason:
Reappearance of red lochia after it changes to serous is an abnormal sign that may indicate uterine atony, subinvolution, or retained placental fragments. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissue. It usually changes from red to pink to brown to yellow-white over a period of several weeks. If it becomes red again, it may mean that there is bleeding from the uterus or infection in the endometrium. This should be reported to a health care provider as soon as possible.
Choice D reason:
Oral temperature that is 37.2 C (99 F) in the morning is within the normal range and does not indicate fever or infection. A slight elevation in temperature may occur due to dehydration, breast engorgement, or hormonal changes. This does not need to be reported unless it exceeds 38 C (100.4 F) or persists for more than 24 hours.
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