A multiparous client with active herpes lesions is admitted to the unit with spontaneous rupture of membranes. Which action should the nurse take?
Prepare for a cesarean section
Cover the lesion with a dressing
Obtain blood cultures
Administer penicillin.
The Correct Answer is A
Prepare for a cesarean section:Active herpes lesions are a contraindication for vaginal delivery due to the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to the newborn. A cesarean section is necessary to prevent the baby from coming into direct contact with the herpes lesions and reduce the risk of neonatal herpes infection.
Cover the lesion with a dressing:While covering the lesion might be part of overall care, it does not address the primary concern of preventing transmission to the newborn during delivery.
Obtain blood cultures:
Obtaining blood cultures may not be the primary action in this situation. The concern is more related to preventing the transmission of the herpes virus to the newborn.
Administer penicillin:
Penicillin is not the treatment for herpes. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir are typically used for the treatment of herpes infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Prepare for a cesarean section:Active herpes lesions are a contraindication for vaginal delivery due to the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to the newborn. A cesarean section is necessary to prevent the baby from coming into direct contact with the herpes lesions and reduce the risk of neonatal herpes infection.
Cover the lesion with a dressing:While covering the lesion might be part of overall care, it does not address the primary concern of preventing transmission to the newborn during delivery.
Obtain blood cultures:
Obtaining blood cultures may not be the primary action in this situation. The concern is more related to preventing the transmission of the herpes virus to the newborn.
Administer penicillin:
Penicillin is not the treatment for herpes. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir are typically used for the treatment of herpes infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen via facemask: Oxygen administration is generally a step in managing fetal distress. However, when dealing with variable decelerations, the initial action involves repositioning the mother to alleviate potential cord compression, as variable decelerations are often due to compression of the umbilical cord.
B. Turn off the oxytocin infusion: If variable decelerations persist despite repositioning, it might be necessary to discontinue the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion temporarily. Oxytocin can cause or exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, which can contribute to fetal distress.
C. Assess cervical dilatation: Assessing cervical dilatation might be a part of the overall assessment but might not directly address the immediate issue of variable decelerations. However, it's essential to monitor the progress of labor as part of the broader assessment.
D. Change the client's position: This is the recommended first action for variable decelerations. Repositioning the mother, such as moving her to a lateral or knee-chest position, can relieve potential cord compression and improve fetal oxygenation.
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