A nurse is assisting in the care of a client following an amniotomy who is now in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check the client's temperature every 4 hr.
Remind the client to bear down with each contraction.
Maintain the client in the lithotomy position.
Encourage the client to empty the bladder every 2 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Check the client's temperature every 4 hr is incorrect, as this action is not frequent enough for a client who had an amniotomy. The nurse should check the client's temperature every 2 hr after an amniotomy, as there is an increased risk of infection due to the rupture of membranes. The nurse should also monitor for signs of chorioamnionitis, such as foul-smelling amniotic fluid, maternal tachycardia, or fetal tachycardia.
Choice B reason: Remind the client to bear down with each contraction is incorrect, as this action is not appropriate for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid bearing down or pushing until they are in the second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and effaced. Bearing down too early can cause cervical edema, lacerations, or exhaustion.
Choice C reason: Maintain the client in the lithotomy position is incorrect, as this action is not optimal for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The lithotomy position is a supine position with the legs elevated and abducted, which can reduce blood flow to the uterus and placenta, increase perineal edema, and limit pelvic outlet diameter. The nurse should encourage the client to change positions frequently and use upright or lateral positions that can enhance uterine contractility, fetal descent, and maternal comfort.
Choice D reason: Encourage the client to empty the bladder every 2 hr is correct, as this action can promote labor progress and prevent bladder distension and infection. The nurse should assist the client to void every 2 hr after an amniotomy, as there may be decreased sensation of bladder fullness due to pressure from the fetal head. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contractions, fetal descent, and cervical dilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Babies know instinctively exactly how much of the nipple to take into their mouth." is incorrect, as this response does not provide adequate guidance or support for the client. Babies may not always latch on correctly or effectively, especially in the first few atempts. The nurse should teach the client how to position and latch the baby properly and observe for signs of effective breastfeeding.
Choice B reason: "Your baby's mouth is rather small so she will only take part of the nipple." is incorrect, as this response can lead to ineffective breastfeeding and nipple trauma. Taking only part of the nipple can cause poor milk transfer, inadequate milk production, and nipple soreness or cracking. The nurse should teach the client how to ensure that the baby takes enough of the nipple and areola into their mouth.
Choice C reason: "Try to place the nipple, the entire areola, and some breast tissue beyond the areola into her mouth." -Including too much breast tissue can be uncomfortable. While some areola is important, including too much breast tissue can hinder proper latch and milk flow.
Choice D reason: "You should place your nipple and some of the areola into her mouth." This accurately describes the ideal latch for breastfeeding. Including some of the areola helps the baby latch deeply and comfortably, promoting milk transfer and preventing feeding difficulties and nipple soreness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: In 3 to 5 days after delivery is correct, as this is the average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production is stimulated by the drop in progesterone levels that occurs after the placenta is delivered, as well as by the suckling of the baby. The nurse should encourage the client to breastfeed frequently and effectively to promote milk production and prevent engorgement.
Choice B reason: In 6 to 8 days after delivery is incorrect, as this is a longer than average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production usually begins within the first week after birth, although it may vary depending on individual factors. The nurse should assess the client for any factors that may delay or inhibit milk production, such as stress, fatigue, pain, or medication.
Choice C reason: Within 2 days after delivery is incorrect, as this is a shorter than average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production usually begins within the first week after birth, although it may vary depending on individual factors. The nurse should educate the client that before breast milk comes in, the breasts produce colostrum, which is a thick, yellowish fluid that contains antibodies and nutrients for the baby.
Choice D reason: In about 10 days after delivery is incorrect, as this is a longer than average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production usually begins within the first week after birth, although it may vary depending on individual factors. The nurse should assess the client for any factors that may delay or inhibit milk production, such as stress, fatigue, pain, or medication.
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