A client who is 39 weeks gestation calls the labor and delivery unit to report that she is experiencing mild, irregular contractions. She tells the practical nurse (PN) that the healthcare provider examined her in the clinic today, and her cervix was 3 cm dilated, with intact membranes, and the presenting part was at -1 station. Which intervention should the PN implement?
Tell her to empty her bladder and call if she has a bloody show.
Direct her to come to the unit for impending delivery.
Ask the charge nurse for further instructions.
Encourage ambulation until the contractions are regular.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: Tell her to empty her bladder and call if she has a bloody show.
Choice A rationale:
The client is 39 weeks gestation and experiencing mild, irregular contractions. The fact that her cervix is already 3 cm dilated and the presenting part is at -1 station indicates that she is in early labor. Emptying the bladder can help relieve pressure on the cervix and promote progress in labor. Instructing her to call if she has a bloody show is essential because it could indicate that her labor is advancing, and she may need to come to the labor and delivery unit soon.
Choice B rationale:
Directing her to come to the unit for impending delivery is not appropriate at this stage, as she is only experiencing mild, irregular contractions and is likely in early labor. Coming to the unit too early may lead to unnecessary interventions and discomfort for the client.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the charge nurse for further instructions is not necessary in this situation. The client's condition is not emergent, and the practical nurse can handle the situation appropriately based on the information provided.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging ambulation until the contractions are regular might be beneficial in some cases to promote labor progress. However, given that the client is already 3 cm dilated and experiencing mild, irregular contractions, it's better to address the issue of bladder emptying and potential bloody show.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis, which is inflammation of the mouth and throat. While monitoring urinary output is important in many situations, it is not relevant in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure while standing is not directly related to stomatitis either. This assessment is more relevant for conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Choice C rationale:
Ability to swallow is crucial in the context of stomatitis. Stomatitis can cause painful sores in the mouth, making it difficult for the client to eat or drink. Assessing the client's ability to swallow will help determine the impact of stomatitis on their nutritional intake and overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. This assessment is more relevant for gastrointestinal issues or constipation, not for a condition affecting the mouth and throat.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the best action for the PN to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain because it provides a non-pharmacological method of pain relief that can enhance the effect of the opioid analgesic. Slow, rhythmic breathing can help the client relax, distract from the pain, and increase oxygenation and blood flow.
A. Dimming the lights in the room and closing the door may not be enough to help the client deal with his pain and may not address his psychological or emotional needs.
C. Turning the television on to the client's favorite show may not be effective in helping the client deal with his pain and may be distracting or irritating for him.
D. Obtaining a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication may not be necessary or appropriate for this client and may increase the risk of side effects or dependence. The PN should assess the client's pain level and response to the current dose before requesting a change in medication.
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