A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in labour and has an external electronic fetal monitor. The nurse observes that the fetal heart rate begins to decelerate after the contraction has started, with the lowest point of the deceleration occurring after the peak of the contraction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Increase the rate of the maintenance IV infusion.

Administer oxygen using a nonrebreather mask.

Elevate the client's legs.

Place the client in the lateral position.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the rate of the maintenance IV infusion may be a rational action in some situations, but it is not the first priority when dealing with a fetal heart rate deceleration. The priority is to address the deceleration and potential fetal distress promptly.

Choice B rationale:

Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask might be beneficial for the client, but it is not the primary action to take when dealing with fetal heart rate deceleration. The priority is to address the deceleration and ensure fetal well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the client's legs is unlikely to have a significant impact on fetal heart rate deceleration. This action is more relevant in cases of maternal hypotension or when trying to improve venous return to the heart. It is not the first-line intervention for fetal heart rate decelerations.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action to take first. This position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava, improve blood flow, and increase oxygen supply to the fetus. By changing the client's position, the nurse can potentially resolve the fetal heart rate deceleration and improve fetal well-being.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale :

Hypercalcemia - The nurse does not need to monitor for hypercalcemia in this scenario. Hypercalcemia refers to high levels of calcium in the blood, and it is not directly related to the newborn's weight or the mother's diabetes mellitus.

Choice B rationale

Hypobilirubinemia - Hypobilirubinemia is low levels of bilirubin in the blood and is not a major concern for a newborn's weight or the mother's diabetes mellitus. Although jaundice (high bilirubin levels) can be a concern in newborns, it is not the focus in this case.

Choice C rationale

Hypoglycemia - This is the correct choice. Newborns of diabetic mothers are at risk of developing hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar levels. The baby receives excess glucose from the mother during pregnancy, and after birth, insulin production may be higher than needed, leading to low blood sugar levels. Monitoring for hypoglycemia is crucial to prevent potential complications.

Choice D rationale

Decreased RBC - The nurse does not need to monitor for decreased red blood cells (RBC) specifically related to the newborn's weight or the mother's diabetes mellitus. Monitoring RBC levels is important for other conditions, but it is not the primary concern in this case.

A. Vaginal hematoma. B. Hypoglycemia. C. Chorioamnionitis. D. Uterine hemorrhage. E. Dehiscence.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Vaginal hematoma is not the most significant risk in the 4th stage of labor. While vaginal hematomas can occur due to trauma during delivery, they are less common and usually manageable compared to other complications.

Choice B rationale:

Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication in the 4th stage of labor. This stage refers to the immediate postpartum period, during which the mother's blood sugar levels may decrease slightly, but it is not the greatest concern at this stage.

Choice C rationale:

Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid. While it can be a concern during labor, the question specifically refers to the 4th stage, which occurs after the delivery of the placenta. Chorioamnionitis is more relevant to earlier stages of labor.

Choice D rationale:

Uterine hemorrhage is the greatest risk during the 4th stage of labor. This stage, also known as the "placental stage,”. is when the uterus contracts to expel the placenta. If the uterus fails to contract adequately, it can lead to significant bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is a critical concern that requires immediate attention to prevent complications.

Choice E rationale:

Dehiscence, which refers to the reopening of a surgical wound, is not a common complication during the 4th stage of labor. The 4th stage primarily focuses on uterine contraction and placental delivery, making dehiscence less relevant in this context.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who weighs 5,160 g (11 lb, 6 oz) and whose mother has diabetes mellitus. For which of the following data should the nurse monitor?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When contributing to the plan of care for the 4th stage of labor, the nurse should recognize the client is at the greatest risk of developing which of the following complications?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the monitoring of a client who is in the first stage of labor, with an external fetal monitor in place and IV fluids infusing. Which of the following factors will cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate?

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has a score of 10 on her biophysical profile. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has severe preeclampsia. When collecting data from the client, the nurse should expect which of the following findings?

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has placenta previa. Which of the following risks is the primary rationale the nurse should avoid performing a pelvic examination?

A nurse reinforcing teaching about vitamin K with a client who is postpartum. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is in labor about why epidural anesthesia is not initiated until a good labor pattern has been established. Which of the following explanations should the nurse include?