A client who is in labor states, "I think my water just broke!" The nurse notes that the umbilical cord is on the perineum.
Which action should the nurse perform first?

Choice A rationale

Placing the client in Trendelenburg position is the first action as it helps to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord by using gravity to shift the fetus away from the pelvis. This position helps to prevent cord compression and maintain blood flow to the fetus.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the operating room team is important but should be done after immediately addressing the umbilical cord prolapse to prevent fetal hypoxia. Initial physical intervention takes priority.

Choice C rationale

Administering oxygen via face mask is beneficial for the mother and fetus but is not the immediate first action. Positioning the client to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord is more urgent.

Choice D rationale

Administering a fluid bolus of 500 mL can help maintain maternal blood pressure, but it is not the first action. The priority is to reposition the client to prevent cord compression.

Choice A rationale

Non-nutritive sucking, such as with a pacifier, can be soothing and calming for infants. It helps in the development of oral motor skills and provides comfort during enteral feedings, ensuring that the infant’s need for sucking is met even when they are not feeding.

Choice B rationale

Sterile technique is essential for preventing infections during invasive procedures, but enteral feeding typically does not require such stringent measures. Clean technique is usually sufficient unless the infant has a compromised immune system or other specific medical conditions requiring sterile precautions.

Choice C rationale

While verifying tube placement is critical, it is often done using methods such as pH testing of gastric contents or external marking rather than routine x-rays. Overuse of x-rays exposes infants to unnecessary radiation. X-rays are used primarily when other methods are inconclusive.

Choice D rationale

Instituting physical therapy for a one-month-old infant would not be developmentally appropriate as their primary needs are centered around nutrition, comfort, and growth. Physical therapy is more relevant for older children with developmental or mobility issues rather than infants receiving enteral feedings. .