A nurse is caring for a client who is having a nonstress test performed. The fetal heart rate (FHR) is 130 to 150/min, but there has been no fetal movement for 15 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Immediately report the situation to the client's provider and prepare the client for induction of labor.
Encourage the client to walk around without the monitoring unit for 10 min, then resume monitoring.
Turn the client onto her left side.
Offer the client a snack of orange juice and crackers
The Correct Answer is D
A. Immediately report the situation to the client's provider and prepare the client for induction of labor. This option is premature. The absence of fetal movement for 15 minutes during a nonstress test does not immediately indicate a need for induction of labor. Other less invasive interventions should be attempted first to stimulate fetal movement.
B. Encourage the client to walk around without the monitoring unit for 10 min, then resume monitoring. While movement can sometimes stimulate fetal activity, removing the monitoring unit is not advisable during a nonstress test. Continuous monitoring is essential to accurately assess the fetal heart rate and movement.
C. Turn the client onto her left side.This position can improve uteroplacental blood flow and may help stimulate fetal movement. However, it is not the most effective initial intervention compared to offering a snack, which can provide a quicker response.
D. Offer the client a snack of orange juice and crackers. This is the correct intervention. The sugar in the orange juice can provide a quick source of energy to the fetus, potentially stimulating movement. Additionally, the act of eating can sometimes prompt fetal activity.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: While an upright position is generally beneficial during labor to improve uterine contractions and fetal positioning, it is not the priority in this situation of hypotension.
Choice B: Preparing for a cesarean birth is not indicated solely based on the blood pressure reading. Cesarean birth should be considered based on the overall assessment and clinical condition of the client and baby.
Choice C: The client's blood pressure reading of 82/52 mm Hg indicates hypotension. In this situation, the nurse should assist the client in turning onto her side to relieve pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby. Lying supine can compress the vena cava, leading to decreased venous return and reduced cardiac output, which may negatively affect fetal oxygenation and maternal wellbeing.
Choice D: Preparing for an immediate vaginal delivery is not the priority at this moment. The nurse should first address the hypotension and improve maternal blood flow before proceeding with delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and one of the first interventions is to improve uterine blood flow by changing the client's position. Placing the client in a left lateral position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta and the baby.
Choice B: Administering oxygen is a correct intervention for late decelerations, but it should follow the position change. Oxygen administration helps increase oxygen levels in the maternal blood, which can improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Applying a fetal scalp electrode can provide continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, but it does not address the immediate concern of late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the priority.
Choice D: Increasing the rate of the IV infusion might not have an immediate effect on resolving late decelerations. Position change and oxygen administration should be the initial interventions.
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