A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has an epidural in place and is on continuous internal monitoring with a fetal scalp electrode and intrauterine pressure catheter.
The nurse notes a strong contraction on the monitor and the client reports nausea accompanied by an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Which of the following assessments is the nurse's highest priority?
Determine the client's temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Determine the fetal heart rate in relationship to the contraction.
Examine the vaginal discharge for the presence of meconium.
Perform a vaginal examination to assess labor progress.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While monitoring vital signs (temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure) is important for overall maternal assessment, in the context of strong contractions and reported nausea/urge to defecate, these specific vital signs are not the immediate priority for identifying the most critical complication. Normal temperature is 36.5-37.5°C, heart rate 60-100 bpm, blood pressure 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg.
Choice B rationale
The client's symptoms (strong contraction, nausea, urge to defecate) strongly suggest the second stage of labor, specifically an urge to push. The highest priority is to determine the fetal heart rate in relationship to the contraction, as this immediate assessment evaluates fetal well-being and detects potential distress, like late decelerations, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency.
Choice C rationale
Examining vaginal discharge for meconium is important if there are signs of fetal distress, but assessing the fetal heart rate pattern in relation to contractions directly provides real-time information about fetal oxygenation and is therefore the immediate priority when assessing labor progress with these symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Performing a vaginal examination to assess labor progress is a crucial step to confirm cervical dilation and fetal descent. However, before internal examination, ensuring fetal well-being through external monitoring of the fetal heart rate during contractions is paramount, especially with the client's reported symptoms suggesting advanced labor.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening is typically performed when the newborn is between 24 and 48 hours of age, or just prior to discharge if that occurs earlier. Performing the test too early, such as between 6 and 12 hours, might yield false negative results due to the persistence of transitional circulation.
Choice B rationale
The results of the CCHD screening are typically available immediately, or within a few minutes, as it involves pulse oximetry readings. There is no waiting period of 1 to 2 weeks for the results, allowing for prompt identification and management of potential cardiac defects, preventing delays in care.
Choice C rationale
The CCHD screening specifically compares the oxygen saturation in the newborn's right hand (pre-ductal) and either foot (post-ductal). A significant difference between these two readings can indicate a shunt or obstruction within the heart or great vessels, suggesting a potential critical congenital heart defect.
Choice D rationale
Collecting a blood sample from the newborn's heel is the procedure for the newborn metabolic screening, which screens for various genetic and metabolic disorders, not the critical congenital heart disease screening. The CCHD screening is a non-invasive test performed using pulse oximetry.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is typically performed much later in pregnancy, usually between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. This screening is crucial for identifying carriers and administering prophylactic antibiotics during labor to prevent vertical transmission to the newborn, which can cause severe infections like sepsis or meningitis.
Choice B rationale
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening is a standard diagnostic test offered to all pregnant clients during their first prenatal visit, typically around 12 weeks of gestation. Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as antiretroviral therapy, to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission and improve maternal health outcomes.
Choice C rationale
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is an invasive diagnostic procedure performed earlier in pregnancy, usually between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation, but it is not a routine screening test. It is typically offered to clients at high risk for genetic disorders due to family history, advanced maternal age, or abnormal prenatal screening results.
Choice D rationale
Cervical cone biopsy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix, typically to evaluate or treat abnormal cervical cells. It is not a routine diagnostic test during a normal prenatal visit and is usually performed prior to pregnancy or if there are specific gynecological concerns.
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