A laboring client is inhaling gas through a mouthpiece just before the onset of her regular contractions.
As they inhale, a valve opens and gas is released.
They continue to inhale the gas slowly and deeply until the contraction starts to subside.
When the inhalation stops, the valve closes.
What is this procedure?
“Likely to be used in the second stage of labor but not in the first stage.”
“A prelude to cesarean birth.”
“Not used much anymore.”
“An application of nitrous Oxide.”
The Correct Answer is D
A rationale:
Incorrect. Nitrous oxide can be used during any stage of labor, not just the second stage. It is often used during the first stage to help manage early labor pain.
Evidence: Studies have shown that nitrous oxide is effective for pain relief during both the first and second stages of labor.
Additional information: The timing of nitrous oxide administration is typically based on the individual's preferences and needs. Some people prefer to use it as soon as labor begins, while others wait until contractions become more intense.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. Nitrous oxide is not a prelude to cesarean birth. It is a method of pain relief that can be used during vaginal or cesarean birth.
Evidence: Cesarean birth is a major surgical procedure that is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is not a type of anesthesia that would be used for this purpose.
Additional information: Cesarean birth is usually only performed when there is a medical reason why a vaginal birth is not possible or safe.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. Nitrous oxide is still a commonly used method of pain relief during labor. It is safe and effective, and it has a good safety profile.
Evidence: Nitrous oxide is one of the most widely used methods of pain relief during labor in many countries around the world.
Additional information: The use of nitrous oxide during labor has been increasing in recent years, as more people have become aware of its benefits.
Choice D rationale:
Correct. The procedure described in the question is an application of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has analgesic and anxiolytic properties. It is often used during labor to help manage pain and anxiety.
Evidence: Nitrous oxide is a well-established method of pain relief during labor. It has been used for this purpose for over a century.
Additional information: Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option for pain relief during labor. It is easy to administer and has few side effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Attaching the IV line to the distal port is not a safe practice for oxytocin administration. This is because oxytocin is a high-alert medication that can have serious adverse effects if administered incorrectly. Attaching the IV line to the distal port increases the risk of the medication being infused too quickly, which can lead to uterine hyperstimulation, fetal distress, or even uterine rupture. The safest practice is to attach the IV line to the proximal port, which is closer to the patient's body and allows for slower infusion rates.
Choice B rationale:
Customizing the concentration of oxytocin is not a recommended practice. Oxytocin is available in a premixed solution of 10 units/mL, and this concentration should not be altered. Altering the concentration can lead to dosing errors and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Choice D rationale:
Titrating oxytocin to gravity is not a safe practice. Oxytocin should be administered using an infusion pump that can accurately control the infusion rate. Infusion pumps are necessary to ensure that the medication is administered at the correct dose and rate. Gravity-based infusions are less accurate and can lead to over- or under-infusion of the medication.
Choice C rationale:
Two RN verification is a safe practice for oxytocin administration. This practice involves having two registered nurses independently verify the medication, dose, and infusion rate before administration. This helps to prevent errors and ensure that the medication is administered safely.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Drug/alcohol use: While substance abuse during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, and birth defects, it is not considered a primary factor in determining high-risk status for this patient. The specific substances involved (cocaine and alcohol) are indeed associated with risks, but they are not as significant as other factors in this case.
Age: The patient's age of 24 is not considered a high-risk factor for pregnancy. Advanced maternal age (typically defined as 35 years or older) is associated with increased risks for chromosomal abnormalities and other complications, but this patient falls below that age threshold.
Family history: Family history of diabetes mellitus, cancer, and neural tube defects can be relevant to pregnancy risk, but in this case, other factors outweigh their significance.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure: The patient's blood pressure of 108/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not contribute to highrisk categorization. High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia and other complications, but this patient does not present with hypertension.
Age: As explained in Choice A, the patient's age is not a high-risk factor.
BMI: A BMI of 17 is considered underweight, which can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. However, in this case, other factors are more significant in determining high-risk status.
Choice C rationale:
Family history: The patient's family history of a neural tube defect (NTD) in a close relative is a significant risk factor for NTDs in her own pregnancy. NTDs are serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord, and they can have lifelong implications for the child. This factor alone warrants a high-risk categorization.
BMI: The patient's underweight BMI of 17 further contributes to her high-risk status, as it can increase the likelihood of certain complications as mentioned earlier.
Drug/alcohol abuse: The patient's admission of cocaine and alcohol use, even if occasional, is a concerning factor for pregnancy. Cocaine, in particular, is a potent vasoconstrictor that can negatively impact fetal growth and development. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which can cause a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems.
Choice D rationale:
Age: As explained previously, the patient's age is not a high-risk factor.
BMI: The patient's BMI is a contributing factor, but not the most significant one in this case.
Family history: The patient's family history is relevant, but the presence of a neural tube defect in a close relative is the most significant aspect of her family history in terms of pregnancy risk.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.