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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
When a newborn is receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia, it is essential to avoid using lotions or ointments on the skin. Phototherapy works by breaking down bilirubin in the skin, and any barriers like lotions or ointments can interfere with this process. The baby's skin needs to be exposed to the light to effectively reduce bilirubin levels.
Choice B rationale:
Dressing the newborn in lightweight clothing is a correct action during phototherapy. The baby should be undressed and placed under the phototherapy lights, with only a diaper on to maximize skin exposure to the light.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the newborn supine throughout treatment is not a recommended action during phototherapy. To optimize skin exposure to the light, the baby should be placed in a prone position, with the back exposed to the light source.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the newborn's temperature every 6 hours is essential, but it is not directly related to phototherapy. Temperature monitoring is a routine part of newborn care to assess for signs of infection or other health issues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Swaddling the baby tightly with his legs extended before laying him down to sleep is not a recommended practice, as it can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Instead, the baby should be placed on their back in a safe sleep environment.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is correct because monitoring the baby's urinary output is essential in ensuring adequate hydration and proper kidney function. Less than six wet diapers a day could be a sign of dehydration and should be promptly reported to the pediatrician.
Choice C rationale:
It is not necessary to retract the foreskin to clean the baby's penis during each bath. The foreskin should be left alone and not forcibly retracted until it naturally loosens, usually around the age of 3 to 5 years.
Choice D rationale:
Applying triple antibiotic ointment on the baby's umbilical cord is not recommended, as the standard practice is to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. This helps it to fall off naturally within a week or two after birth, reducing the risk of infection.
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