A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn. Following the delivery, which nursing action should be done first to care for the newborn?

Stimulate the infant to cry.

Clear the respiratory tract.

Dry the infant off and cover the head.

Cut the umbilical cord.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:
Stimulating the infant to cry is an important action as it helps ensure that the baby's lungs are clear of fluid and are functioning properly. However, this is not the first action to take. The initial cry will often occur naturally as part of the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.

Choice B reason:
Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action. Immediately after birth, it is crucial to ensure that the newborn's airway is clear to facilitate breathing. The nurse may suction the mouth and nose to remove any amniotic fluid, mucus, or other obstructions that could impede breathing.

Choice C reason:
Drying the infant off and covering the head is important to prevent heat loss, which newborns are particularly susceptible to due to their large surface area relative to body mass. However, this follows the clearance of the airway, as maintaining an open airway is the most critical initial step in newborn care.

Choice D reason:
Cutting the umbilical cord is a necessary step in the delivery process, but it is not the first action to take when caring for the newborn. The timing of cord clamping can vary, and immediate care focuses on ensuring the newborn's ability to breathe effectively.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Panting can help control the urge to push and is often recommended during the crowning stage to prevent tearing and to allow the perineum to stretch gradually. It can also help manage the pain and provide the baby with a gentle descent.

Choice b reason:
Slow-paced breathing is generally advised during the earlier stages of labor to help manage contractions and maintain relaxation. However, during the crowning stage, slow-paced breathing might not be effective in controlling the strong urge to push.

Choice c reason:
Telling the client to go ahead and push without proper guidance could lead to rapid delivery, which increases the risk of perineal tearing. The nurse should instruct the client on when and how to push effectively, often during a contraction, with controlled effort.

Choice d reason:
Taking a deep, cleansing breath can be calming and help the client focus, but it does not directly address the immediate need to control the pushing during crowning. Controlled breathing techniques specific to the delivery stage are more appropriate.

A. A client who has a post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks of gestation. B. A client who is experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions at 36 weeks of gestation. C. A client who is experiencing fetal death at 32 weeks of gestation. D. A client who is experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Tocolytic therapy is not indicated for a client with a post-term pregnancy. Tocolytics are medications used to suppress premature labor, and a pregnancy at 42 weeks is considered post-term, not preterm.

Choice B Reason:
Braxton-Hicks contractions are normal occurrences during pregnancy and do not indicate preterm labor. They are often referred to as "false labor" because they do not lead to cervical dilation or effacement. Therefore, tocolytic therapy is not necessary.

Choice C Reason:
Administering tocolytic therapy in the case of fetal death is not appropriate. Tocolytics are used to delay preterm labor to allow for fetal maturation or to prolong pregnancy to administer corticosteroids for fetal lung development, which is not applicable in this scenario.

Choice D Reason:
Tocolytic therapy is appropriate for a client experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation. The goal of tocolytic therapy is to delay delivery to allow for the administration of corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity or to transfer the client to a facility equipped for premature infants.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn. Following the delivery, which nursing action should be done first to care for the newborn?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the emergency department is admitting a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation, has ruptured membranes, and the nurse observes the newborn's head is crowning. The client tells the nurse she wants to push. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for several clients. The nurse should recognize that it is safe to administer tocolytic therapy to which of the following clients?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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