A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has a spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse notes that the umbilical cord is protruding from the client's vagina.
After calling for help, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part.
Administer a tocolytic medication.
Apply oxygen via facemask to the client.
Wrap the cord in a sterile towel and moisten with warm sterile normal saline.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part to relieve cord compression, which is the immediate priority in this emergency situation.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a tocolytic medication is not the immediate priority. It may be done later to inhibit uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale:
Applying oxygen to the client is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the cord in a sterile towel and moistening with warm sterile normal saline is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine tenderness is a common symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal tachycardia is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice D rationale:
Leukorrhea is not associated with abruptio placentae.
The most likely finding the nurse should expect in a client experiencing abruptio placenta during labor is:
b. Uterine tenderness.
Here's why:
- Hypertension (a):While preeclampsia can increase the risk of abruptio placenta,it's not always present,and hypertension wouldn't be the immediate expected finding during the abruption event itself.
- Fetal tachycardia (c):This can occur in early stages of abruption to compensate for decreased oxygen supply,but as the abruption becomes more severe,fetal bradycardia is more likely due to oxygen deprivation.
- Leukorrhea (d):This is a white vaginal discharge and has no connection to abruptio placenta.
Uterine tenderness is a characteristic sign of abruptio placenta due to bleeding behind the placenta and irritation of the uterine muscle. This is often accompanied by:
- Vaginal bleeding (bright red or dark)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Sudden, ongoing uterine tightening or irritability
- Fetal distress (decreased fetal heart rate movements)
Therefore, option b is the most expected finding in this scenario.
Remember: Early recognition and prompt management of abruptio placenta are crucial for optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. If you suspect abruptio placenta, immediate medical attention is essential.
Correct Answer is ["D","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Glucose level is within the normal range (40 to 60 mg/dL), so it's not a complication.
Choice B rationale:
Caput succedaneum is a common finding in newborns who were delivered vaginally and is not a complication.
Choice C rationale:
A negative Coombs test is a normal finding and does not indicate a complication.
Choice D rationale:
Yellow sclera in a newborn can be a sign of jaundice, which should be reported to the provider.
Choice E rationale:
Heart rate is slightly elevated but within the normal range for a newborn (100-160/min), so it's not a complication.
Choice F rationale:
The newborn has not passed meconium stool since birth, which should be reported to the provider as it could indicate a complication.
Choice G rationale:
Dry mucous membranes can be a sign of dehydration, which should be reported to the provider.
Choice H rationale:
Respiratory rate is within the normal range for a newborn (30-60/min), so it's not a complication.
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