A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and has just been examined as being at 7 cm of cervical dilation and 100% effacement. The fetus is at 1+ station, and the client's amniotic membranes are intact. The client suddenly states that she needs to push. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
"Assist the client into a more comfortable position."
"Observe the perineum for signs of crowning."
"Have the client pant or blow during the next contractions to help her refrain from pushing."
"Help the client to the bathroom to empty her bladder."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: At 7 cm dilation, the client is in active labor, and assisting her into a more comfortable position may not be appropriate at this stage. It is essential to observe for signs of impending birth and assess the progress of labor.
Choice B: Crowning is assessed only once full dilation occurs. At 7 cm, this is premature and distracts from interventions that prevent injury from early pushing.
Choice C: Panting or blowing helps suppress the urge to push until full dilation, protecting the cervix and reducing complications. This is the evidence-based intervention recommended in labor management guidelines.
Choice D: While emptying the bladder is generally recommended during labor to provide more room for the baby to descend, the client's current urge to push suggests that the baby is likely in a lower position, and it might not be safe or feasible to move the client to the bathroom.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A weight gain of about 1 pound per week is a general guideline for women with normal BMI. However, for a client with a BMI of 26.5, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy may differ.
Choice B: Gaining 11 to 20 pounds may not be sufficient for a client with a BMI of 26.5, as the recommended weight gain is slightly higher for women with a higher prepregnancy BMI.
Choice C: For a client with a BMI of 26.5, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is approximately 15 to 25 pounds. This range is specific to women with a BMI in the overweight category.
Choice D: Gaining 25 to 35 pounds is recommended for clients with a lower BMI range (normal BMI). For a client with a BMI of 26.5, this amount of weight gain may be excessive.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior: The occiput posterior position (the back of
the baby's head facing the mother's back) can lead to a more challenging and prolonged labor with intense back pain.
B. Fetal attitude is in general flexion: Flexion is the normal fetal attitude for birth and does not contribute to a difficult labor with backache.
C. Fetal lie is longitudinal: Longitudinal lie refers to the baby's position along the mother's spine, but it doesn't specify the position of the baby's back, so it is not directly related to backache.
D. Maternal pelvis is gynecoid: Gynecoid pelvis is the most favorable pelvis shape for childbirth, so it is not likely to cause difficult labor with severe backache.
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