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 A

Explanation

Choice A: The first priority assessment finding to report to the provider is contractions lasting 2 minutes and with no rest between contractions. Prolonged contractions without adequate rest can lead to uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress, potentially compromising the wellbeing of both the client and the baby. The provider needs to be informed immediately for further

evaluation and intervention.

Choice B: Pressure on the perineum and the desire to bear down indicate that the client is experiencing the urge to push, which is expected during the second stage of labor, not during the active phase of the first stage. It is not the first priority to report.

Choice C: Clear fluid discharge from the vagina can indicate rupture of membranes, but it is not an immediate concern unless the fluid is meconiumstained or there are other signs of fetal distress.

Choice D: Passage of a bloodtinged mucous plug (also known as "bloody show") is a common sign that labor is approaching, but it is not an immediate concern unless there are other signs of labor progression or complications. It is not the first priority to report.

A. "Maybe next time you can have a vaginal delivery." B. "It sounds like you are feeling sad that things didn't go as planned." C. "You can resume sexual relations sooner than if you had delivered vaginally." D. "At least you know you have a healthy baby."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) "Maybe next time you can have a vaginal delivery.": This response may not be appropriate as it assumes a future pregnancy and vaginal delivery is guaranteed. It may not address the client's current feelings of disappointment adequately.
B) "It sounds like you are feeling sad that things didn't go as planned.": This is the correct answer as it shows empathy and validates the client's feelings of disappointment. It acknowledges the client's emotions and provides support during this sensitive time.

C) "You can resume sexual relations sooner than if you had delivered vaginally.": While this statement may be true, it is not directly related to the client's expressed feelings of disappointment.
D) "At least you know you have a healthy baby.": This response dismisses the client's feelings and may not be wellreceived, as the client is expressing a desire for emotional support rather
than a reassurance about the baby's health.

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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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following assessment findings is the first priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a cesarean birth due to dysfunctional labor. The client states that she is disappointed that she did not have natural childbirth. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 42 weeks of gestation. Based on the assessment findings, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 23 weeks of gestation and will return to the facility in 2 days for an amniocentesis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions. The client states that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not." Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the most reliable sign of true labor?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is providing dietary education to a client during the first prenatal visit. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse a need for clarification?

A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client following a vaginal examination by the provider, which is documented as: 1. Which of the following interpretations of this finding should the nurse make?

A nurse midwife is examining a client who is a primigravida at 42 weeks of gestation and states that she believes she is in labor. Which of the following findings confirm to the nurse that the client is in labor?