A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Contraction resting period 35 seconds
Heart rate 100/min for a 10-min period
Four contractions in a 10-min period
Co Contraction lasting 85 seconds
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Contraction lasting 85 seconds.
Choice A rationale: A contraction resting period of 35 seconds is normal and expected during labor. The resting period allows the uterine muscle to relax and replenish its oxygen supply, which is essential for fetal well-being. The resting period also gives the client a chance to rest and cope with the pain of labor. A normal resting period ranges from 30 to 90 seconds, depending on the stage and phase of labor¹².
Choice B rationale: A heart rate of 100/min for a 10-min period is within the normal range for an adult. The normal resting heart rate for an adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm)³. During labor, the heart rate may increase due to factors such as pain, anxiety, dehydration, fever, or infection. However, a heart rate of 100/min is not considered a sign of distress or complication, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations⁴⁵.
Choice C rationale: Four contractions in a 10-min period is a normal frequency for labor contractions. The frequency of contractions refers to how often they occur, measured from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. The normal frequency of contractions varies depending on the stage and phase of labor, but generally ranges from two to five contractions in 10 minutes¹².
Choice D rationale: A contraction lasting 85 seconds is too long and should be reported to the provider. The duration of contractions refers to how long they last, measured from the beginning to the end of one contraction. The normal duration of contractions ranges from 30 to 70 seconds, depending on the stage and phase of labor¹². A contraction lasting longer than 90 seconds is considered a prolonged contraction, which can reduce the blood flow and oxygen supply to the placenta and the fetus, leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis. Prolonged contractions can also cause uterine rupture, placental abruption, or maternal hemorrhage .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The Scarf sign assesses the range of motion of the newborn's shoulder and elbow joint. It measures the ability of the newborn's arm to be brought across the chest.
Choice B rationale: Arm recoil measures the degree of resistance and recoil of the newborn's arm when it is extended and then flexed against the chest. This reflex provides information about the newborn's muscle tone and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice C rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is elicited by a sudden change in the newborn's position or by a loud noise. It involves an initial extension and abduction of the arms, followed by a flexion and adduction. This reflex helps assess the newborn's neurologic and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice D rationale: "Heel to ear" is not a standard neuromuscular assessment used in the gestational age assessment. It may be an incorrect or unclear term.
Choice E rationale: The popliteal angle is not a neuromuscular assessment used in the gestational age assessment. It measures the angle of flexion in the knee joint and is not directly related to neuromuscular maturity
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Applying ice to the perineal area is not indicated in the case of suspected placenta previa. Placenta previa is related to the location of the placenta in the uterus and is not affected by the perineal area. Ice is commonly used for perineal discomfort after vaginal delivery but is not appropriate for placenta previa.
Choice B rationale: When a client is suspected to have placenta previa, a vaginal exam should be avoided because it can cause trauma to the placenta, leading to significant bleeding. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and any disruption of the placenta can result in bleeding, which poses a risk to both the mother and the baby. Therefore, a vaginal exam is contraindicated in this situation.
Choice C rationale: Performing a rectal exam is also not appropriate for a client with suspected placenta previa. Rectal exams do not provide any relevant information about the placenta's location, and they can potentially cause discomfort or bleeding in this situation.
Choice D rationale: Applying an external fetal monitor is an appropriate action when caring for a pregnant client, regardless of whether there is a suspected placenta previa. The external fetal monitor is used to assess the baby's heart rate and uterine contractions and is a routine part of prenatal care. However, it does not specifically address the issue of placenta previa. The nurse should be vigilant for any signs of bleeding or changes in fetal heart rate pattern, which may indicate placental issues, and report them promptly for further evaluation and management.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today