A nurse assesses a client in labor and suspects dysfunctional labor (hypotonic uterine dysfunction). The woman's membranes have ruptured and fetopelvic disproportion is ruled out.
Which intervention would the nurse expect to include in the plan of care for this client?
Encouraging the woman to assume a hands-and-knees position.
Providing a comfortable environment with dim lighting.
Administering oxytocin.
Preparing the woman for an amniotomy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Encouraging a hands-and-knees position may help rotate a malpositioned fetus or relieve back pain, but it does not directly address hypotonic uterine dysfunction, which is characterized by weak, ineffective contractions. While it can improve maternal comfort and potentially aid in fetal descent if malpositioning is a contributing factor to slow labor progress, it will not augment the strength or frequency of contractions necessary for cervical dilation.
Choice B rationale
Providing a comfortable environment with dim lighting can promote relaxation and potentially enhance the progress of labor in cases of hypertonic uterine dysfunction (uncoordinated, painful contractions). However, in hypotonic dysfunction, the issue is a lack of adequate uterine muscle activity. While comfort measures are always important, they do not directly stimulate stronger contractions.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxytocin is the primary medical intervention for hypotonic uterine dysfunction. Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone that stimulates uterine smooth muscle to contract more frequently and with greater intensity. This augmentation of uterine activity aims to establish an effective labor pattern, leading to cervical dilation and fetal descent when fetopelvic disproportion has been ruled out.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) might be considered to augment labor if the membranes are intact. However, the question states the membranes have already ruptured. Amniotomy can sometimes stimulate contractions by releasing prostaglandins, but it is not the first-line intervention for established hypotonic dysfunction after membrane rupture, and oxytocin is generally more effective in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gonorrhea typically presents with a purulent, often thick, yellow discharge. While it can have a foul odor, the description of frothy and bubbly is less characteristic of gonorrhea. Diagnosis usually involves a cervical culture or nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
Choice B rationale
Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan *Trichomonas vaginalis*, is characteristically associated with a large amount of yellow-green or gray, frothy, and bubbly vaginal discharge with a distinct, often foul or fishy odor. Microscopic examination of the discharge reveals the motile trichomonads for definitive diagnosis.
Choice C rationale
Chlamydia often presents with a thin or mucopurulent discharge, which may be yellowish, but it is not typically described as frothy or bubbly. Many women with chlamydia are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is usually made through NAAT of cervical or urine samples.
Choice D rationale
Syphilis in its primary stage presents with a painless chancre. Secondary syphilis can involve a generalized rash and flu-like symptoms. Vaginal discharge is not a primary characteristic of either the primary or secondary stages of syphilis. Diagnosis involves serological testing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Absent early decelerations of the fetal heart rate are generally considered a reassuring sign. Early decelerations are a gradual decrease and return of the fetal heart rate associated with uterine contractions, thought to be caused by fetal head compression. Their absence does not typically warrant immediate reporting.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate of 140 beats per minute falls within the normal range for a term fetus, which is typically between 110 and 160 beats per minute. This finding is reassuring and does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice C rationale
Contraction frequency of 2 to 3 minutes apart indicates that the labor is progressing. While the overall pattern of contractions needs to be evaluated in conjunction with other factors like duration and intensity, a frequency within this range is not necessarily a concerning finding that requires immediate reporting on its own.
Choice D rationale
Contraction durations of 95 to 100 seconds are considered prolonged. Normal contraction duration in the active phase of labor typically ranges from 45 to 60 seconds. Prolonged contractions can reduce uterine blood flow and potentially lead to fetal hypoxia, making this a concerning finding that should be promptly reported to the provider for further evaluation.
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