A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postpartum and breastfeeding her newborn. The client reports sore nipples. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice c. One acceleration of the FHR within a 20-min period.

Here's the rationale for each choice:

Choice A: Rationale: A non-stress test (NST) is supposed to assess fetal well-being by looking for accelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movement. An FHR that peaks 20 beats above the baseline is a desirable finding in an NST, indicating good fetal reactivity.

Choice B: Rationale: While not typical during a standard NST, three uterine contractions within a 20-minute period might not necessarily require immediate intervention. However, the nurse should document it and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment, especially if the contractions are causing discomfort or if there are other concerning signs.

Choice C: Rationale: A single acceleration of the FHR within a 20-minute NST is considered non-reactive and may indicate fetal compromise. This finding requires further investigation by the healthcare provider, potentially including additional monitoring or interventions.

Choice D: Rationale: Uterine contractions lasting 20 to 30 seconds each are not a typical finding during an NST, but they may not necessarily be a cause for immediate concern unless they are causing the client pain or are accompanied by other concerning signs. The nurse should document the contractions and notify the healthcare provider.

The correct answer is choiceB. Decreased ability to bear down.

Choice A rationale:

Fetal bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of a pudendal nerve block.This block primarily affects the mother’s pelvic region and does not typically impact fetal heart rate.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased ability to bear down is correct because the pudendal nerve block can numb the perineal area, reducing the mother’s ability to feel contractions and effectively bear down during labor.

Choice C rationale:

Maternal hypertension is not associated with pudendal nerve blocks.This block is localized and does not generally affect systemic blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Uterine hyperstimulation is not a known adverse effect of pudendal nerve blocks.This condition is more commonly associated with the use of labor-inducing drugs like oxytocin.