A nurse is caring for a client in active labor when the fetal heart monitor indicates a sudden deceleration.

Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the umbilical cord is protruding from the vaginal opening.

The nurse immediately calls for assistance and uses a sterile gloved hand to lift the presenting part off of the cord.

The nurse positions the client in a knee to chest position to relieve pressure on the cord.

Fetal heart tones are monitored continuously.

The provider is notified while preparations for an emergency cesarean birth are initiated.

The nurse documents the time of cord prolapse, interventions, and the client response.

Select the portions of the text that indicate priority nursing actions in response to a prolapsed umbilical cord.

Choice A rationale

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Uncontrolled blood pressure exacerbates glomerular damage and accelerates the decline in renal function. Effective blood pressure control, often targeting specific parameters, significantly reduces the strain on kidneys, preserving nephron function and delaying ESRD.

Choice B rationale

While blood glucose control is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent diabetic nephropathy, it is not the primary or most important intervention for slowing the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is an inherited disorder characterized by cyst formation, and its progression is mainly driven by factors like hypertension.

Choice C rationale

Fluid restriction is generally not a primary intervention for slowing the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In fact, maintaining adequate hydration is often encouraged to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation, which can be a complication in PKD. Fluid management is individualized based on kidney function.

Choice D rationale

Pain management is important for comfort in clients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) dueating to cyst enlargement or complications. However, managing pain does not directly slow the progression of the underlying disease process to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The primary focus for slowing progression is on managing factors that directly impact renal function.

Choice A rationale

Adjusting levothyroxine dosage daily based on blood levels is generally not appropriate due to the drug's long half-life, which necessitates stable drug concentrations before accurate assessment. Frequent adjustments risk inducing fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to hyperthyroidism or continued hypothyroidism and making precise titration challenging for maintaining euthyroid state.

Choice B rationale

Remaining on the initial dosage throughout treatment is highly improbable for levothyroxine. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy requires individualized dosing due to variations in patient metabolism, weight, and the severity of hypothyroidism. Regular monitoring of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels is essential to titrate the dose, ensuring optimal therapeutic effect and avoiding complications.

Choice C rationale

Starting levothyroxine at a high dosage is contraindicated, particularly in older adults or those with cardiovascular comorbidities, due to the risk of precipitating adverse cardiac events such as arrhythmias or angina. High doses can overwhelm the cardiovascular system, demanding increased metabolic activity. Gradual titration minimizes these risks and allows for physiological adaptation.

Choice D rationale

Starting on a low dosage and gradually increasing levothyroxine is the standard and safest approach. This strategy allows the body to adapt to the exogenous thyroid hormone, minimizing the risk of adverse effects like cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in sensitive individuals. Gradual titration prevents rapid metabolic shifts and allows for careful monitoring of patient response and TSH levels.