A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labour 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.

Uterine rupture.

Umbilical cord prolapse.

Placenta previa.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but serious complication during labor or immediately after delivery, where amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream and cause a severe reaction. While it may present with sudden and severe symptoms, such as hypotension and respiratory distress, it does not typically cause uterine rupture.

Choice B rationale:

Uterine rupture is a life-threatening emergency that can occur during labor, especially in women with previous uterine surgeries or trauma. The sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, cool skin, and pallor could indicate internal bleeding and shock, which are consistent with uterine rupture. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing suggests fetal distress due to compromised blood flow.

Choice C rationale:

Umbilical cord prolapse is another obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and gets compressed during labor, leading to fetal distress. It may cause variable decelerations in fetal heart rate, but it does not explain the maternal symptoms described in the scenario, such as the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor.

Choice D rationale:

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and it can lead to painless vaginal bleeding. While it can cause fetal distress, it does not explain the maternal symptoms like the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing is more suggestive of uterine rupture.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choiceA. Continue to monitor the client.

Choice A rationale:

Early decelerations are typically benign and are caused by fetal head compression during contractions.They usually do not require any specific intervention other than continued monitoring to ensure they remain early decelerations and do not progress to more concerning patterns.

Choice B rationale:

Discontinuing oxytocin is not necessary for early decelerations, as they are not indicative of fetal distress.Oxytocin would be discontinued if there were signs of more severe decelerations or other complications.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client to lay on her right side is not specifically required for early decelerations.This position change is more commonly used for variable or late decelerations to improve uteroplacental blood flow.

Choice D rationale:

Administering oxygen at 8 L/min per mask is not needed for early decelerations.Oxygen is typically reserved for situations where there is evidence of fetal hypoxia or distress.

A. Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position for 1 hr after administration. B. Instruct the client to avoid urinary elimination until after administration. C. Verify that informed consent is obtained prior to administration. D. Allow the medication to reach room temperature prior to administration.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C: Verify that informed consent is obtained prior to administration. Choice A rationale: Placing the client in a semi-Fowler’s position is not specifically related to the administration of dinoprostone. This position is often used post-administration to promote comfort and labor progression, but it is not a required action prior to the administration of dinoprostone. Choice B rationale: Instructing the client to avoid urinary elimination until after administration is not necessary. There is no evidence to suggest that retaining urine affects the efficacy or safety of dinoprostone administration. Choice C rationale: Verifying that informed consent is obtained prior to administration is crucial. Dinoprostone, like any medication used to induce labor, carries potential risks and side effects. It is essential that the client is informed about these risks and consents to the procedure before the medication is administered. Choice D rationale: Allowing the medication to reach room temperature prior to administration is not a standard requirement for dinoprostone inserts. Medications have specific storage and administration guidelines that should be followed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and facility protocols.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and is receiving oxytocin via IV infusion. The nurse has applied an internal fetal heart monitor and recognizes an early deceleration of the fetal heart rate tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assisting the provider to administer a dinoprostone insert to induce labor for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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