A nurse is caring for a female client, age 29, at 39 weeks of gestation in the intrapartum unit following spontaneous rupture of membranes.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is at risk for developing
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
The client is at risk for developing Intraamniotic infection as evidenced by White blood cell count.
Rationale for correct answers:
Intraamniotic infection (chorioamnionitis) is a bacterial infection of the amniotic sac often associated with prolonged rupture of membranes and labor. This client has spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) 1 hour ago with positive nitrazine test confirming amniotic fluid presence. The elevated white blood cell count (19,800/mm³; normal 5,000–15,000/mm³) is an early marker of infection or inflammation. The presence of group B streptococcus further increases infection risk. The amniotic fluid is moderate and clear, which is normal, so fluid characteristics alone do not indicate infection. Early identification and management of intraamniotic infection are critical to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity.
Rationale for incorrect Response 1 options:
Fetal hypoxia typically manifests as abnormal fetal heart rate patterns such as late decelerations or decreased variability, which are not present here (FHR 150/min, moderate variability). Labor dystocia refers to abnormal or slow labor progress; with 2 cm dilation and regular contractions, no evidence suggests dystocia yet. Gestational hypertension is a maternal hypertensive disorder unrelated to current rupture or WBC findings.
Rationale for incorrect Response 2 options:
Amniotic fluid characteristics (clear, moderate) are normal and not indicative of infection. Uterine tone is moderate and normal on palpation, not suggesting infection or abnormal labor. Cervical exam findings (2 cm dilation, 10% effacement) are early labor signs but do not indicate infection risk.
Take home points:
- Elevated WBC after rupture of membranes signals increased risk of intraamniotic infection.
- Clear amniotic fluid with positive nitrazine confirms membrane rupture but does not confirm infection.
- Early labor signs should be monitored for infection risk, especially with group B strep positive status.
- Differentiating infection from other labor complications like dystocia or fetal hypoxia relies on clinical signs and fetal monitoring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
- Discontinue oxytocin infusion (Expected): The client has contractions every 1–2 minutes lasting 90–120 seconds, indicating uterine tachysystole. Stopping oxytocin is a primary intervention to reduce contraction frequency and duration, preventing further fetal hypoxia.
- Assist with amnioinfusion (Expected): Amnioinfusion can help dilute thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid or relieve cord compression, which can cause late decelerations and minimal variability in FHR. It is often used to improve fetal oxygenation during uterine hyperstimulation.
- Give 500 mL of lactated Ringer’s IV bolus (Expected): Increasing maternal hydration improves uteroplacental perfusion, which can be compromised during frequent contractions. This intervention helps restore blood volume and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
- Place the client in a side-lying position (Expected): Lateral positioning improves uterine blood flow by relieving pressure on the vena cava and optimizing cardiac output and fetal oxygenation.
- Give betamethasone 12 mg IM now (Unexpected): Betamethasone is administered antenatally to accelerate fetal lung maturity in preterm labor (before 34 weeks). This client is at 38 weeks gestation, so corticosteroids are not indicated.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering a rubella immunization during pregnancy is contraindicated because the rubella vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine. There is a theoretical risk of viral transmission to the fetus, which could lead to congenital rubella syndrome. Vaccination should occur postpartum to protect future pregnancies.
Choice B rationale
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated after receiving the rubella vaccine. Although rubella vaccine virus can be excreted in breast milk, it generally does not cause clinical illness in the infant and passive transfer of antibodies may provide some protection to the infant.
Choice C rationale
A rubella titer of 1: indicates a low level of rubella antibodies, meaning the client is susceptible to rubella infection. A titer of less than 1: or 1: is generally considered non-immune, requiring vaccination to prevent congenital rubella syndrome in future pregnancies.
Choice D rationale
Repeating a rubella titer in the third trimester is not a standard practice for assessing susceptibility. Once susceptibility is determined, the primary intervention is postpartum vaccination. The initial titer result accurately reflects immune status and further testing during pregnancy is unnecessary.
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