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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"}}
Explanation
Abruptio Placentae: Typically does not cause increased contraction frequency; contractions may be normal or decreased due to uterine irritation or pain.
Uterine Tachysystole: Characterized by more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes, indicating excessive contraction frequency, which can reduce uteroplacental perfusion.
Uterine Tone
Abruptio Placentae: The uterus often becomes firm, rigid, and tender due to bleeding and inflammation caused by premature placental separation, increasing baseline uterine tone.
Uterine Tachysystole: Uterine tone is elevated because contractions are prolonged and close together, causing the uterus to remain tense with insufficient relaxation.
Pain Report
Abruptio Placentae: Patients usually report sharp, severe abdominal or back pain due to the sudden placental detachment and uterine irritation.
Uterine Tachysystole: Pain may be present but is typically related to frequent contractions rather than sharp, localized pain.
FHR Pattern
Abruptio Placentae: Commonly causes fetal heart rate abnormalities like late decelerations, bradycardia, or absent variability due to fetal hypoxia from compromised placental perfusion.
Uterine Tachysystole: Can cause decreased fetal heart rate variability and late decelerations because frequent contractions reduce oxygen delivery during inadequate relaxation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The vaginal contraceptive ring is designed for cyclic use, specifically to be left inserted for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by a 1-week ring-free interval. This regimen allows for a withdrawal bleed during the ring-free week, mimicking a natural menstrual cycle while maintaining contraceptive efficacy by providing continuous hormone release for 21 days.
Choice B rationale
Body weight fluctuations of 4.5 kg (10 lb) do not significantly impact the effectiveness of the vaginal contraceptive ring. The ring delivers a localized and consistent dose of hormones that is not dependent on systemic absorption influenced by minor weight changes. Therefore, contacting a provider for a new ring due to this weight change is unnecessary.
Choice C rationale
The vaginal contraceptive ring should not be washed with soap and water after each use. The ring is a single-use, disposable device designed to be inserted and remain in place for the full 3-week duration. Washing it could potentially degrade the material or interfere with the controlled release of hormones, compromising its efficacy.
Choice D rationale
The vaginal contraceptive ring does not need to be inserted immediately before sexual intercourse. It provides continuous contraceptive protection as long as it is inserted and used correctly according to the 3-week in, 1-week out schedule. Its efficacy is not tied to the timing of individual sexual acts.
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