A nurse admits a woman who is at 38 weeks of gestation and in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?
Administer glucocorticoids intramuscularly.
Prepare the client for emergency cesarean section.
Assess the odor of the amniotic fluid.
Recheck the client's temperature in 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
A: Administering glucocorticoids intramuscularly is indicated for enhancing fetal lung maturity in cases of anticipated preterm birth. However, the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is not considered preterm, and the elevated temperature is the main concern.
B: Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean section based solely on an elevated temperature is not an appropriate action. There may be other factors contributing to the temperature elevation, and further assessment is needed.
C: An elevated temperature during pregnancy can indicate infection, which is a concern when the client's membranes have ruptured (premature rupture of membranes or PROM). Before any
interventions are initiated, the nurse should assess the odor of the amniotic fluid as it can provide important information about possible infection. If the amniotic fluid has a foul odor or appears
cloudy, it may indicate infection and require prompt medical attention.
D: Rechecking the client's temperature in 4 hours is not the appropriate immediate action when an elevated temperature is observed, especially in a pregnant woman.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "The test will be performed if your baby's heartbeat is heard."
Incorrect: Amniocentesis is not typically performed based on whether the baby's heartbeat is heard. It is done for specific diagnostic purposes, such as genetic testing or assessing certain fetal conditions.
B. "This test will determine if your baby's lungs are mature."
Incorrect: Amniocentesis does not determine fetal lung maturity. The test involves the extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid to analyze fetal chromosomes and identify genetic conditions.
C. "After the test, you will be given Rh immune globulin since you are Rh positive."
Incorrect: Rh immune globulin (Rhogam) is given to Rhnegative pregnant women to prevent Rh sensitization, which occurs when an Rhnegative mother is exposed to
Rhpositive fetal blood. Rhogam is not directly related to amniocentesis.
D. "This test requires the presence of an adequate volume of amniotic fluid."
Correct: Amniocentesis requires a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus for safe and accurate testing. If there is not enough amniotic fluid, the procedure may be postponed or canceled.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Immediately report the situation to the client's provider and prepare the client for induction of labor.This option is premature. The absence of fetal movement for 15 minutes during a nonstress test does not immediately indicate a need for induction of labor. Other less invasive interventions should be attempted first to stimulate fetal movement.
B. Encourage the client to walk around without the monitoring unit for 10 min, then resume monitoring. While movement can sometimes stimulate fetal activity, removing the monitoring unit is not advisable during a nonstress test. Continuous monitoring is essential to accurately assess the fetal heart rate and movement.
C. Turn the client onto her left side.This position can improve uteroplacental blood flow and may help stimulate fetal movement. However, it is not the most effective initial intervention compared to offering a snack, which can provide a quicker response.
D. Offer the client a snack of orange juice and crackers.This is the correct intervention. The sugar in the orange juice can provide a quick source of energy to the fetus, potentially stimulating movement. Additionally, the act of eating can sometimes prompt fetal activity.
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