A nurse is analyzing a fetal heart monitor strip and identifies a sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern, which has been occurring for 30 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take at this time?

Decrease the client's IV fluids

Prepare the client for an emergent birth.

Turn the client to a supine position

Document the findings.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Decrease the client's IV fluids:
Sinusoidal fetal heart rate patterns are concerning and typically indicate severe fetal distress, which is often associated with conditions such as fetal anemia, hypoxia, or central nervous system (CNS) damage. Decreasing IV fluids is not an appropriate response to a sinusoidal pattern. The primary focus should be on fetal well-being, not fluid management, in this situation.

B) Prepare the client for an emergent birth:
This pattern is typically associated with severe fetal compromise and is an ominous sign. Immediate intervention is required, and emergent delivery may be necessary to prevent further fetal distress and potential harm. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider and prepare the client for an emergency cesarean delivery or other urgent interventions.

C) Turn the client to a supine position:
The supine position is not recommended for managing fetal distress, as it may decrease uterine blood flow and worsen the situation, especially if the fetus is experiencing hypoxia. The appropriate intervention for addressing a sinusoidal heart rate pattern is not repositioning the client in a supine position, but rather preparing for emergency delivery and providing immediate support to stabilize both mother and fetus.

D) Document the findings:
While it is important to document any fetal heart rate pattern, sinusoidal patterns require immediate action. Documentation alone is not sufficient in this case, as it does not address the potential life-threatening situation for the fetus. The nurse should not delay action, and the focus should be on preparing for emergency birth and notifying the healthcare provider immediately.

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Correct Answer is ["D","E","I","K"]

Explanation

The newborn's assessment findings that require follow-up:

Temperature 35.7°C (96.3°F) at 2200:

Hypothermia in newborns can lead to cold stress, which increases the risk of respiratory distress and hypoglycemia. The newborn’s temperature should be closely monitored, and warming measures should be initiated to prevent further complications.

Respiratory rate 68/min at 2200:

A respiratory rate above 60 breaths per minute in a newborn is considered tachypnea and can indicate respiratory distress or underlying conditions such as infection. The newborn should be further evaluated to determine the cause of the tachypnea and to ensure proper oxygenation.

Sternal retractions at 2200:

Sternal retractions suggest that the newborn is experiencing increased work of breathing, which is a key sign of respiratory distress. This requires immediate evaluation to assess the severity and identify potential causes, such as respiratory infections or inadequate ventilation.

Coarse rhonchi in bilateral lung fields at 2200:

The presence of coarse rhonchi indicates abnormal breath sounds, often related to fluid retention or infection in the lungs. This finding requires further assessment and possibly interventions to clear the airway and support respiratory function.

A. Uterine contractions B. The fetal head applying pressure C. Nerve stimulation D. Cervical dilation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Uterine contractions:
While uterine contractions cause significant pain and discomfort during labor, particularly in the first and early second stages, by the time the client reaches the second stage of labor, the cervix is fully dilated, and the main cause of pain and pressure is no longer from the contractions themselves. Instead, the pain and pressure described in the second stage are primarily due to the fetal head descending through the birth canal, applying pressure to the perineum.

B) The fetal head applying pressure:
The pain and pressure reported in the second stage of labor are primarily due to the fetal head descending into and through the birth canal, putting pressure on the cervix, vagina, perineum, and pelvic floor. This pressure is a major source of discomfort in the second stage, as the fetal head stretches the tissues of the perineum, which is essential for facilitating birth. The sensation of pressure on the pelvic floor is often described by clients during this stage.

C) Nerve stimulation:
Nerve stimulation occurs during labor as a result of uterine contractions and the fetal descent, which can cause radiating pain to the lower back, thighs, and pelvic region. However, the specific pain and pressure in the pelvis and perineum described by the client are more directly related to the fetal head applying pressure, rather than generalized nerve stimulation. Nerve stimulation may contribute to pain but is not the primary cause of the pelvic and perineal pressure at this stage.

D) Cervical dilation:
Cervical dilation occurs in the earlier stages of labor (latent and active phases), and while it contributes to pain during these stages, by the second stage, the cervix should be fully dilated (10 cm). The pain and pressure that the client is feeling in the second stage are less about cervical dilation and more about the descent of the fetal head through the birth canal and its pressure on the perineum and pelvic floor.

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A nurse is analyzing a fetal heart monitor strip and identifies a sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern, which has been occurring for 30 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take at this time?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["D","E","I","K"]

Explanation

A client in the second stage of labor reports to a nurse that they are feeling pain and pressure in their pelvis and perinium. Which of the following should the nurse understand that this pain is caused by?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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