A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and reports sudden, severe lower abdominal pain. The nurse observes a drop in the client's blood pressure and notes cool skin and pallor. The fetal heart rate tracing shows prolonged bradycardia. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
Amniotic fluid embolism
Umbilical cord prolapse
Uterine rupture
Placenta previa
The Correct Answer is C
Uterine rupture. The sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock such as cool skin and pallor all point to a potential intra-abdominal hemorrhage most likely due to Uterine rupture. Additionally, the prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing indicates that the baby may be experiencing fetal distress due to a compromised blood supply. Amniotic fluid embolism triggers an allergic reaction, causing a sudden onset of respiratory distress, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Option D, placenta previa, occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment, partially or completely covering the cervical os. This can lead to painless vaginal bleeding but typically does not present with sudden, severe abdominal pain or signs of shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Blood pressure of 136/88 mm Hg should be monitored, but it is not a finding that the nurse needs to urgently report to the provider following the administration of butorphanol. The blood pressure reading is slightly elevated but might be attributed to pain or anxiety during labor.
Choice B rationale:
Moderate fetal heart rate variability is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and is an expected finding during labor. It does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
C. Respiratory rate 100/min: A respiratory rate of 100/min is indicative of tachypnea, which could suggest maternal distress, hypoxemia, or an adverse reaction to the medication. While opioids typically depress respiration, this finding is abnormal and warrants immediate evaluation to rule out complications such as maternal anxiety, pain, or hypoxia.
Choice D rationale:
Urinary output of 120 mL in 2 hours is an acceptable finding during labor and does not require immediate reporting to the provider. Adequate urinary output varies, but generally, 30 mL/hour is considered acceptable during labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Three uterine contractions within a 20-min period require intervention by the nurse during a nonstress test at 35 weeks of gestation. The nonstress test is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) response to fetal movement. The test is considered reactive if there are two or more accelerations of the FHR within a 20-min period, each lasting at least 15 seconds and peaking at least 15 beats above the baseline. In this scenario, the finding that requires intervention by the nurse is three uterine contractions within a 20-min period. This is because frequent or prolonged contractions can indicate preterm labor, which requires immediate intervention
to prevent premature delivery. The nurse should assess the client for signs and symptoms of preterm labor, such as pelvic pressure, low back pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge, and abdominal cramping. The nurse should also notify the provider and prepare the client for further evaluation and possible interventions, such as tocolytic therapy to stop the contractions.
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