A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing an external nonstress test at 40 weeks of gestation and notes variable decelerations on the fetal monitor tracing that are unresponsive to interventions such as repositioning and oxygen administration.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Prepare the client for an amnioinfusion
Apply an internal fetal scalp electrode
Administer IV fluid bolus to the client
Discontinue oxytocin infusion if present
The Correct Answer is A
Prepare the client for an amnioinfusion. An amnioinfusion is a procedure that adds fluid to the uterus during labor to relieve cord compression and improve fetal condition. Variable decelerations on the fetal monitor tracing are a sign of cord compression and fetal distress. If repositioning and oxygen administration do not resolve the decelerations, an amnioinfusion may be indicated.
Choice B is wrong because applying an internal fetal scalp electrode does not address the cause of variable decelerations, which is cord compression.
An internal fetal scalp electrode is used to monitor the fetal heart rate more accurately, but it does not improve fetal oxygenation or prevent cord compression.
Choice C is wrong because administering IV fluid bolus to the client may help increase maternal blood volume and placental perfusion, but it does not directly increase amniotic fluid volume or relieve cord compression.
Choice D is wrong because discontinuing oxytocin infusion if present may reduce uterine contractions and decrease cord compression, but it may also prolong labor and increase the risk of infection or fetal compromise. Oxytocin infusion should only be discontinued if there are signs of uterine hyperstimulation or fetal intolerance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Maintain oxytocin infusion and monitor the client until a negative CST result is confirmed.
A negative CST result means that there are no late decelerations of the FHR after three contractions in 10 minutes.This indicates that the fetus can tolerate the stress of labor and has adequate oxygenation.
Choice A is wrong because discontinuing oxytocin infusion and monitoring the client for another 10 minutes will not provide enough information about the fetal response to contractions.The test requires at least three contractions in 10 minutes to be valid.
Choice B is wrong because increasing oxytocin infusion and monitoring the client until four contractions occur in 10 minutes may cause uterine hyperstimulation, which can compromise fetal oxygenation and lead to fetal distress.
Choice C is wrong because stopping oxytocin infusion and notifying the provider of a positive CST result is not appropriate.A positive CST result means that there are late decelerations of the FHR after more than half of the contractions, indicating fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency.
In this case, there are no late decelerations, so the test result is not positive.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio.
This is a test that measures the amount of two phospholipids in the amniotic fluid that are important for the production of surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs expand and prevents them from collapsing.A higher L/S ratio indicates more surfactant and greater fetal lung maturity.The normal range for L/S ratio is 2:1 or higher at term.
Choice A is wrong because alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the fetus that can be measured in the amniotic fluid or maternal blood.It is used to screen for neural tube defects and other abnormalities, not for fetal lung maturity.
Choice C is wrong because Kleihauer-Betke test is a blood test that detects fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation.It is used to diagnose fetomaternal hemorrhage, a condition where fetal blood leaks into the mother’s blood, not for fetal lung maturity.
Choice D is wrong because indirect Coombs’ test is a blood test that detects antibodies in the mother’s blood that may attack the fetal red blood cells.It is used to screen for Rh incompatibility or other blood group sensitization, not for fetal lung maturity.
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