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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. The cervix is 1 cm dilated.
Choice A reason:
The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines. This statement would be documented as -1 station. Fetal station is measured in centimeters relative to the ischial spines, with negative numbers indicating the presenting part is above the spines.
Choice B reason:
The cervix is effaced 1 cm. Effacement is measured in percentages, not centimeters. It refers to the thinning of the cervix, which progresses from 0% (not effaced) to 100% (fully effaced).
Choice C reason:
In obstetrics, a sterile vaginal exam (SVE) is recorded using a standard three-part shorthand: Dilation / Effacement / Station.Dilation: This is always the first number in the sequence. It measures the opening of the cervix from 0 to 10 centimeters. Therefore, if the finding begins with the number 1, it indicates the cervix has opened to a diameter of 1 cm.
Choice D reason:
The presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines. This would be documented as +1 station. Positive numbers indicate the presenting part is below the ischial spines, moving towards delivery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Leukorrhea, which refers to an increase in vaginal discharge, is a common discomfort during pregnancy and is generally not a cause for concern.
Choice B: Painful and tender areas on the leg may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially dangerous condition. During pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing blood clots, and DVT can be a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C: Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy and are usually associated with morning sickness. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally not considered a dangerous symptom unless it leads to severe dehydration.
Choice D: Urinary frequency is a common discomfort during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. Although it can be bothersome, it is not typically a sign of immediate danger.
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