A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural anesthesia. The client is hypotensive with decreased placental perfusion.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
Administer lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus.
Place the client in a knee-chest position.
Monitor the client's blood pressure every 30 min.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min might marginally increase fetal oxygenation, but it does not address the primary issue of hypotension causing decreased placental perfusion. The fundamental problem is reduced blood flow to the placenta, necessitating interventions that increase maternal circulating volume and blood pressure to improve perfusion.
Choice B rationale
Administering a lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus directly addresses hypotension by expanding the maternal intravascular volume. This increased circulating volume raises blood pressure, thereby improving placental perfusion and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution, effective for rapid volume expansion.
Choice C rationale
Placing the client in a knee-chest position is typically used to alleviate cord compression or prolapse by shifting the fetus, not for treating hypotension. This position can actually worsen hypotension by trapping blood in the lower extremities and reducing venous return to the heart, further compromising placental blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the client's blood pressure every 30 minutes is a crucial assessment but is not an immediate intervention for acute hypotension with decreased placental perfusion. While ongoing monitoring is essential, immediate actions are required to correct the underlying cause of hypotension and restore adequate blood flow to the placenta.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio test is a crucial assessment of fetal lung maturity. Lecithin and sphingomyelin are phospholipids that are components of surfactant, a substance vital for reducing surface tension in the alveoli and preventing lung collapse at birth. A ratio of 2: or greater generally indicates adequate lung maturity.
Choice B rationale
The L/S ratio test does not assess the baby's blood type. Fetal blood typing is determined through other methods, such as cordocentesis or maternal blood tests for fetal DNA, if clinically indicated. The L/S ratio specifically evaluates the quantity and ratio of pulmonary surfactants.
Choice C rationale
This test does not check the baby's liver development. Fetal liver development is assessed through different parameters, such as ultrasound visualization of liver size, blood flow characteristics, and specific liver enzyme levels if a concern exists. The L/S ratio is solely focused on pulmonary maturity.
Choice D rationale
The L/S ratio test is not used to check for genetic disorders. Genetic disorders are identified through chromosomal analysis, DNA sequencing, or biochemical tests performed on amniotic fluid cells obtained during amniocentesis, or through chorionic villus sampling. The L/S ratio is a physiological marker of lung readiness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Bilirubin levels are typically monitored by a healthcare professional and not by parents at home every 6 hours. The frequency of bilirubin checks for a newborn receiving home phototherapy is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the infant's bilirubin trajectory and clinical status, often daily or as prescribed.
Choice B rationale
Offering glucose water to newborns is not recommended. Glucose water does not provide adequate nutrition and can interfere with successful breastfeeding or formula feeding by reducing the infant's appetite for nutrient-rich milk. Adequate hydration and nutrition are crucial for bilirubin excretion in jaundiced infants.
Choice C rationale
For biliblanket phototherapy, eye coverings are generally not necessary. The biliblanket emits light from a fiber optic pad that is wrapped around the infant's body, and the light does not directly shine into the baby's eyes, unlike traditional overhead phototherapy lights that require eye protection.
Choice D rationale
Removing the baby from the biliblanket for feedings is appropriate and encouraged. Intermittent breaks for feeding and bonding are permissible as long as the total duration of phototherapy prescribed by the healthcare provider is met. Frequent feedings promote bilirubin excretion through stools.
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