A client who is in active labor is admitted with her cervix dilated to 3 cm with 50% effacement and the presenting part at 0 station. An hour later, she tells the practical nurse (PN) that she wants to go to the bathroom to empty her bladder. The nurse examines the client again and determines her vaginal exam is unchanged.
Which action should the PN implement?
Review the fetal heart rate pattern.
Assist the client up to the bathroom.
Check perineum for changes in "show" or discharge.
Obtain a straight catheter kit to empty her bladder.
The Correct Answer is B
If the client in active labor expresses a desire to empty her bladder and her vaginal exam is unchanged, the practical nurse (PN) should assist her up to the bathroom. An empty bladder can help facilitate labor progress.
Reviewing the fetal heart rate pattern (A) is important, but it is not the most appropriate action in response to the client's request to empty her bladder. Checking the perineum for changes in "show" or discharge (C) is also important, but it is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Obtaining a straight catheter kit to empty the client's bladder (D) may be necessary if she is unable to empty her bladder on her own, but assisting her up to the bathroom should be attempted first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The first action the PN should take is to check the client's serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level. This hormone is produced by the placenta and can provide important information about the viability of the pregnancy.
Option B, verifying the date of the last menstrual cycle, can provide useful information about the gestational age of the pregnancy but is not the first priority.
Option C, repeating a urine pregnancy test, can confirm the presence of a pregnancy but does not provide information about its viability.
Option D, inquiring about the last occurrence of intercourse, is not relevant to addressing the client's immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The practical nurse should report to the charge nurse that the client is near delivery, as the client's signs indicate that she is in the transition phase of labor and is likely to deliver soon. The PN should also assess the client's vital signs, fetal heart rate, and pain level, and prepare the delivery equipment.
The husband can be asked to provide emotional support to the client during labor.
The rapid response team may be called in case of a medical emergency, but this is not indicated based on the information given.
Checking the time, the last PRN narcotic analgesic was given is also not indicated at this point, as the client is close to delivery and may not have time for medication to take effect.
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