A nurse is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation following a spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse performs a vaginal examination and palpates the umbilical cord. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter.
Exert continuous upward pressure on the presenting part.
Initiate oxytocin via continuous IV infusion.
Place the client in the left-lateral position.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Requesting that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter is not the immediate action the nurse should take when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale:
Exerting continuous upward pressure on the presenting part is the correct action when the nurse palpates the umbilical cord during a vaginal examination. This manoeuvre is called "vaginal elevation,”. helps lift the presenting part off the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and fetal distress until the provider can take further action.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating oxytocin via continuous IV infusion is not appropriate when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. Oxytocin can cause uterine contractions, potentially further compromising the cord and fetus.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in the left-lateral position is not the best immediate action for cord palpation. While the left-lateral position is useful for relieving pressure on the vena cava in cases of supine hypotensive syndrome, the priority here is to relieve cord compression, and upward pressure on the presenting part is more effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hct (hematocrit) of 34% is a normal finding during pregnancy. Normal ranges vary during pregnancy, but generally, a hematocrit between 33% to 45% is considered normal during the second trimester.
Choice B rationale:
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) of 25 mg/dL should be reported to the provider. BUN measures kidney function, and during pregnancy, values above 20 mg/dL may indicate possible impaired kidney function, which requires further evaluation.
Choice C rationale:
Platelets of 170,000/mm³ are within the normal range during pregnancy. The normal platelet count during pregnancy is typically between 150,000 to 400,000/mm³.
Choice D rationale:
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) of 6% is a good indicator of blood sugar control and is within the target range for a pregnant woman with diabetes. The target HbA1c level for pregnant women with diabetes is usually around 6% or lower.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Levothyroxine is not a medication used to treat gestational diabetes mellitus. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism, which is a different medical condition.
Choice B rationale:
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to manage hypertension and angina. It is not indicated for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Choice C rationale:
Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It has no role in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Choice D rationale:
Glyburide is the correct medication to expect for administering to a client with gestational diabetes mellitus. Glyburide is an oral antidiabetic agent that helps lower blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas. It is often used when dietary and lifestyle modifications are not sufficient in managing gestational diabetes. However, it is essential to follow healthcare provider guidelines and closely monitor the client's blood glucose levels while on this medication. In some cases, insulin may be required if glyburide alone is inadequate in controlling blood sugar levels.
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