A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an epidural anesthesia block. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg, and the fetal heart rate is 140/min. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

Elevate the client's legs.

Place the client in a lateral position.

Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes.

Notify the provider.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A: Elevating the client's legs is a measure to increase blood flow to the brain in cases of orthostatic hypotension but may not be sufficient to improve fetal oxygenation in this situation. The lateral position is preferred as it improves uterine perfusion.

Choice B: The client's blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The priority nursing action is to place the client in a lateral (sidelying) position to improve blood flow to vital organs, including the uterus and placenta, and prevent further compromise of fetal oxygenation.

Choice C: Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is an important nursing action, but the priority in this situation is to address the hypotension and improve maternal and fetal wellbeing first.

Choice D: Notifying the provider is an important step, but it should not be the first action. Immediate intervention to address the hypotension is required to improve fetal oxygenation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A: Taking deep, cleansing breaths and breathing naturally is not the appropriate technique during the crowning phase of labor, as it can increase the risk of rapid birth and potential perineal trauma.

C: During a precipitous labor with the baby's head crowning, the nurse should encourage the mother to perform blowing or panting breaths during contractions. This technique helps to slow down the delivery process and allows the perineum to stretch gradually, reducing the risk of tearing or other trauma.

B: In the case of precipitous labor, actively pushing as hard as possible can increase the risk of rapid birth and potential complications for both the mother and the baby.

D: Slowpaced breathing patterns are not recommended during the crowning phase of labor, as they may not effectively control the birth process.

A. Assess the client's temperature. B. Assess the fetal heart rate and pattern. C. Record color and consistency of fluid in the chart. D. Evaluate the client for the presence of chills and increased uterine tenderness using palpation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: Assessing the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Fetal wellbeing takes precedence.

Choice B; After an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes), the priority nursing action is to assess the fetal heart rate and pattern. The procedure may cause changes in fetal heart rate and indicate fetal distress or cord compression, requiring immediate attention.

Choice C: Recording the color and consistency of fluid is relevant for documentation but does not address the immediate concern of fetal wellbeing.

Choice D: Evaluating the client for chills and uterine tenderness is not the priority after an amniotomy. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial to detect any signs of distress.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an epidural anesthesia block. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg, and the fetal heart rate is 140/min. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action immediately following this procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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