A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in the first stage of labor. The nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth.
Explain to the client what is happening.
Cover the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing.
Place the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Place the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position.
Choice A rationale:
Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is important, but it is not the immediate first action. The priority is to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord to prevent fetal hypoxia.
Choice B rationale:
Explaining to the client what is happening is important for communication and reassurance, but it is not the immediate first action. Immediate physical intervention is required to prevent harm to the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing is a necessary step to prevent the cord from drying out and to reduce infection risk, but it should be done after repositioning the client to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position helps to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, which is crucial to maintain fetal oxygenation. This is the immediate first action to take in this emergency situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice A rationale:
Administering oxygen and notifying the provider is not necessary for a biophysical profile (BPP) score of 10. A score of 10 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress.
Choice B rationale:
A BPP score of 10 is considered normal and reassuring, indicating that the fetus is well-oxygenated and there are no signs of distress. Therefore, the nurse should assure the client that the score is within the expected range.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client orange juice and repeating the assessment in 1 hour is not necessary for a BPP score of 10. This action might be considered if the score were lower and there was a need to reassess fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client into a side-lying position is not required for a BPP score of 10. This position is typically recommended to improve uteroplacental blood flow in cases of fetal distress or lower BPP scores.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypotension is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, the client typically experiences hypertension (high blood pressure) rather than hypotension (low blood pressure). Hypotension may be concerning as it could indicate inadequate perfusion to vital organs.
Choice B rationale:
Headache is an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia. Headaches are a common symptom of preeclampsia and are often described as persistent and severe. They can result from increased blood pressure and possibly cerebral oedema.
Choice C rationale:
Tachycardia is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia. Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, but in preeclampsia, bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) or a normal heart rate is more typical. Tachycardia could indicate other underlying issues.
Choice D rationale:
Polyuria is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia. Polyuria is characterized by excessive urination, and in preeclampsia, the opposite may occur due to decreased kidney perfusion, resulting in oliguria (reduced urine output).
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