Choice A rationale

An increase in baseline variability is generally considered a reassuring sign of fetal well-being, indicating a responsive central nervous system and adequate oxygenation. While important to monitor, it is not a specific periodic pattern to observe immediately following membrane rupture due to potential cord compression. Normal baseline variability ranges from 6 to 25 beats per minute.

Choice B rationale

Non-periodic accelerations are abrupt increases in fetal heart rate above the baseline, typically lasting less than 30 seconds. They are usually a reassuring sign, often occurring with fetal movement or stimulation. While their presence is noted, they are not the primary periodic pattern to observe immediately after membrane rupture for potential complications.

Choice C rationale

Early decelerations are gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that mirror the uterine contractions. They are thought to be caused by fetal head compression and are generally considered benign. While their presence is documented, they are not the most concerning pattern immediately after membrane rupture, which raises the risk of cord issues.

Choice D rationale

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate that are variable in timing and shape in relation to uterine contractions. They are often caused by umbilical cord compression, which is a significant risk factor immediately following the rupture of membranes, as the fluid cushion around the cord is reduced. Prompt identification is crucial for intervention.

Choice A rationale

Assessing vital signs is important in evaluating a postpartum hemorrhage, but it is not the immediate priority. Significant blood loss can occur before changes in vital signs become apparent due to compensatory mechanisms in the body. Addressing the source of bleeding is the initial critical step.

Choice B rationale

Calling the primary health care provider is a necessary step, but it should occur after the nurse has taken immediate action to address the likely cause of the excessive bleeding. Direct intervention to control the hemorrhage takes precedence over notification.

Choice C rationale

Massaging the fundus is the highest priority because uterine atony, a soft and boggy uterus that does not contract effectively, is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage. Stimulating uterine contraction by massage can help to compress the blood vessels at the placental site and reduce bleeding.

Choice D rationale

Initiating an intravenous (IV) infusion of Ringer's lactate solution is important for volume replacement if bleeding is significant, but it is not the immediate first action. Addressing the uterine atony through fundal massage should be done first to try and control the bleeding.

Choice A rationale

A firm fundus displaced to the right and above the umbilicus often indicates a full bladder. The bladder, when distended, can push the uterus out of its midline position and interfere with its ability to contract effectively, potentially leading to increased bleeding. Having the client void will relieve the pressure on the uterus, allowing it to return to its midline position and remain firm.

Choice B rationale

Starting a pad count is a useful way to quantify the amount of lochia, but it does not address the immediate issue of the displaced fundus and potential bladder distention. It would be a subsequent step to monitor the bleeding after addressing the fundal position.

Choice C rationale

While fundal massage is appropriate for a soft or boggy uterus, the assessment indicates the fundus is already firm. Massaging a firm uterus is not the priority and will not address the displacement caused by a likely full bladder.

Choice D rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary if the fundus remains displaced and elevated after the client voids, as this could indicate other complications. However, the initial action should be to address the most likely cause, which is bladder distention.

Choice A rationale

Pain in the abdomen, shoulder, or back can be associated with pre-term labor or other pregnancy complications and should be assessed. However, respiratory depression, hypotension, and absent tendon reflexes are more indicative of magnesium sulfate toxicity and pose an immediate threat to the client's safety.

Choice B rationale

Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant used to prevent seizures in pre-eclampsia and tocolysis in pre-term labor. Respiratory depression (respiratory rate less than 12 breaths per minute), hypotension (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or a significant drop from baseline), and absent deep tendon reflexes are signs of magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention to prevent serious adverse effects.

Choice C rationale

Severe lower back pain, leg cramps, and sweating can be symptoms of pre-term labor or other musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy. While important to assess and manage, they do not represent the same immediate life-threatening risk as magnesium toxicity.

Choice D rationale

Low potassium or elevated glucose levels, tachycardia, and chest pain are not typical side effects of magnesium sulfate. These findings could indicate other underlying medical conditions that need investigation, but they are not the priority assessment related to magnesium sulfate administration compared to signs of toxicity. Normal potassium range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, normal fasting glucose is 70-100 mg/dL.

Choice A rationale

Preparing to administer a prescribed oxytocic preparation is a possible intervention for postpartum hemorrhage, but the immediate first step should be to assess the uterus, the most common source of early postpartum bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Assessing the client's blood pressure is important in evaluating the extent of blood loss, but it is not the initial action to take. Addressing the likely cause of the bleeding should precede further assessment of vital signs.

Choice C rationale

Assessing the bladder for distention is important as a full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, potentially contributing to bleeding. However, directly addressing the uterine tone is the immediate first step.

Choice D rationale

Massaging the client's fundus is the priority action because uterine atony, a soft and non-contracted uterus, is the most frequent cause of early postpartum hemorrhage. Stimulating the uterus to contract by massage helps to compress the blood vessels at the placental site and decrease bleeding. .

Choice A rationale

Supine positioning can compress the vena cava, leading to decreased venous return, reduced cardiac output, and potential maternal hypotension, which can compromise fetal oxygenation. Alternative positions like lateral or semi-recumbent are generally preferred during labor to optimize blood flow.

Choice B rationale

Assessing anesthesia or pain level every 30 minutes is crucial in the active phase of labor to evaluate the effectiveness of pain management interventions and the client's comfort. This frequent monitoring allows for timely adjustments to the pain management plan based on the client's subjective experience and physiological responses.

Choice C rationale

While assessing vaginal bleeding and the fundus is important in the postpartum period to monitor for uterine involution and hemorrhage, it is not the priority during the active phase of labor. The focus during active labor is on maternal and fetal well-being during the labor process itself.

Choice D rationale

Continuous or intermittent oxygen saturation monitoring may be indicated based on the client's condition and fetal heart rate patterns, but it is not a routine assessment every half hour for all clients in active labor. It is typically reserved for situations of suspected maternal hypoxemia or fetal distress.

Choice A rationale

Spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) can sometimes be associated with variable decelerations due to potential cord compression if the presenting part is not well applied, but it is not the most likely cause of early decelerations. Early decelerations reflect a physiological response to fetal head compression.

Choice B rationale

Fetal head compression during a contraction leads to vagal nerve stimulation, causing a transient decrease in the fetal heart rate. This deceleration is typically gradual in onset and recovery, mirroring the contraction pattern, and is considered a benign finding.

Choice C rationale

Umbilical cord compression typically results in variable decelerations, which are abrupt decreases in FHR that are not necessarily associated with uterine contractions. The shape and timing of variable decelerations differ significantly from the gradual, consistent pattern of early decelerations.

Choice D rationale

Utero-placental insufficiency usually manifests as late decelerations, which are gradual decreases in FHR that begin after the peak of the contraction and recover after the contraction ends. This pattern indicates fetal hypoxia and is a concerning finding, distinct from early decelerations.

Choice A rationale

While understanding methods of labor induction is important if the pregnancy progresses to 42 weeks, it is not the priority teaching at 31 weeks gestation. The immediate focus should be on recognizing potential complications that could arise before the scheduled induction.

Choice B rationale

The benefits of breastfeeding are important for all pregnant women but are not the priority teaching for a client at 31 weeks who is not yet in labor. Information about breastfeeding can be provided later in the pregnancy.

Choice C rationale

Teaching the signs of labor is important as the client approaches term, but at 31 weeks, the priority is to educate the client on recognizing potential warning signs that require immediate attention, such as decreased fetal movement.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring fetal movement is a crucial teaching point at 31 weeks gestation. A decrease in fetal movement can be an early indicator of fetal compromise and requires prompt evaluation. Instructing the client on how to perform kick counts and when to report changes is a priority for ensuring fetal well-being before the scheduled induction.

Choice A rationale

The risk for newborn infection is primarily associated with prolonged rupture of membranes or maternal infection during labor, not directly with the administration of general anesthesia during a cesarean birth.

Choice B rationale

While the postpartum period is a time of increased risk for DVT due to hormonal changes and decreased mobility, general anesthesia itself does not significantly increase this risk compared to regional anesthesia. Surgical procedures in general increase DVT risk.

Choice C rationale

General anesthesia can lead to uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract adequately after delivery. This lack of contraction can result in postpartum hemorrhage, making postpartum bleeding the greatest risk associated with general anesthesia in this scenario.

Choice D rationale

The risk for infection is primarily associated with the surgical incision and the postpartum period in general, not specifically with the type of anesthesia used during the cesarean birth.

Choice A rationale

While addressing the client's pain is important, the priority action should be to assess the underlying cause of the concerning vital signs before offering pain medication.

Choice B rationale

Positioning the client with one hip elevated is a measure used to relieve potential vena cava compression, but the low blood pressure warrants immediate attention and further evaluation before implementing this intervention.

Choice C rationale

Having the client void may be a helpful intervention in some labor situations, but the combination of a low maternal blood pressure and a high maternal heart rate requires immediate notification of the provider.

Choice D rationale

The client's low blood pressure (82/54 mm Hg) and elevated maternal heart rate (128/min) in the presence of contractions with a duration of 1 minute and a frequency of 3 minutes are concerning findings that warrant immediate notification of the provider for further evaluation and management. These vital signs could indicate maternal hypovolemia, dehydration, or other complications. .