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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Turning the newborn every 4 hours is not necessary during phototherapy. The aim of phototherapy is to expose the newborn’s skin to as much light as possible.
Choice B rationale:
Applying hydrating lotion to the newborn’s skin prior to treatment is not recommended. The aim of phototherapy is to expose the newborn’s skin to as much light as possible.
Choice C rationale:
Eye covers should be used to protect the newborn’s eyes from the light during phototherapy.
Choice D rationale:
Providing the newborn with 15 mL glucose water after each feeding is not necessary during phototherapy. The newborn may need to be fed more often to help get rid of the bilirubin in his or her bowel movements.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Evaluating urinary output is important postoperatively, but it does not address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Replacing the surgical dressing is necessary if it’s saturated, but it does not address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Applying an ice pack to the incision site can help reduce swelling and pain, but it does not address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus can help increase uterine contractility and decrease bleeding. This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.