A nurse is caring for a client in active labor who has meconium staining of the amniotic fluid. The nurse notes a reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing from the external fetal monitor. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Prepare equipment needed for newborn resuscitation
Perform endotracheal suctioning as soon as the fetal head is delivered
Prepare the client for an ultrasound examination
Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare equipment needed for newborn resuscitation.
A. Preparing equipment needed for newborn resuscitation is the correct action.
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid can increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome in the newborn. While the fetal heart rate is reassuring, being prepared for potential newborn resuscitation is prudent given the meconium staining.
B. Performing endotracheal suctioning as soon as the fetal head is delivered is not the current standard of care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends routine suctioning of meconium-stained infants unless they show signs of respiratory distress, poor muscle tone, or a depressed heart rate.
C. Preparing the client for an ultrasound examination is not the immediate priority. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be associated with fetal distress, but the focus should be on the current labor and delivery situation.
D. Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is not the first action.
The presence of meconium staining alone does not necessarily indicate the need for an emergency cesarean birth, especially if the fetal heart rate is reassuring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Fetal engagement
A. Fetal position, fetal lie, and fetal attitude are important aspects of the fetal presentation but are not specific considerations when performing an amniotomy.
B. Fetal lie is the relationship between the long axis of the fetus and the long axis of the mother. It is not directly relevant to the consideration of amniotomy.
C. Fetal attitude refers to the relationship of the fetal body parts to each other. It is not a specific consideration for amniotomy.
D. Fetal engagement is the correct consideration prior to amniotomy.
Fetal engagement refers to the descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis. Before performing an amniotomy, it is important to confirm that the fetal head is engaged in the pelvis, ensuring a lower risk of cord prolapse.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Discuss contraceptive options with the client and her partner.Discussing contraceptive options typically occurs later in the postpartum period, often during follow-up visits. This is not a priority during the early taking-hold phase, when the mother is focused on learning to care for herself and her baby.
B. Repeat information to ensure client understanding.Repeating information and ensuring understanding is more critical during the taking-in phase, which occurs in the first 24 to 48 hours postpartum, when the mother is more passive, fatigued, and focused on her own recovery. In the taking-hold phase, the mother is typically more alert and eager to learn.
C. Listen to the client and her partner as they reflect upon the birth experience.Reflecting on the birth experience is more aligned with the taking-in phase, when the mother is focused on herself and may need emotional support in processing the experience.
D. Demonstrate to the client how to perform a newborn bath.In the taking-hold phase, the mother is ready to take responsibility for the care of her newborn and actively seeks guidance. Demonstrating how to bathe the newborn is an appropriate intervention, as it provides practical support and helps the mother gain confidence in newborn care.
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