A nurse is caring for a laboring client and notes that the fetal heart rate begins to decelerate after the contraction has started. The lowest point of deceleration occurs after the peak of the contraction. What is the priority nursing action?
Change the client's position.
Insert a scalp electrode.
Prepare for amnioinfusion.
Document benign decelerations.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The priority nursing action when the fetal heart rate shows a deceleration after the contraction has started, with the lowest point occurring after the peak of the contraction, is to change the client's position. This deceleration pattern is called "late decelerations,” and it is typically associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which can be caused by maternal hypotension or impaired blood flow to the placenta. Changing the client's position, such as moving the client to their side or repositioning them, can alleviate pressure on the vena cava and improve blood flow to the placenta, thus potentially resolving or minimizing the late decelerations.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a scalp electrode (Choice B) is not the priority action in this situation. While a scalp electrode may be used to monitor the fetal heart rate more accurately and continuously, it is not the initial intervention for addressing late decelerations.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing for amnioinfusion (Choice C) may be considered if there are variable decelerations (caused by cord compression) present, but it is not the priority intervention for late decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Documenting benign decelerations (Choice D) is not appropriate in this scenario since late decelerations are not considered benign and require immediate action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client is experiencing continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, which are key signs of abruptio placentae. This condition occurs when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born, leading to bleeding and potential fetal distress. The history of cocaine use can be a risk factor for abruptio placentae, as cocaine use may lead to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Choice B rationale:
Hydatidiform mole is not likely in this case because it presents with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and a "grape-like” mass on ultrasound. The continuous abdominal pain is not typical for a hydatidiform mole.
Choice C rationale:
Preterm labor is not the likely complication in this scenario because the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. Preterm labor refers to labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is not the likely complication as it presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, and the abdominal pain described in the question suggests a different condition.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Edema is not an expected finding of uncomplicated gestational hypertension. While some degree of edema can be common during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to gestational hypertension.
Choice B rationale:
A blood pressure reading of 155/92 is an expected finding in a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the presence of proteinuria or other organ dysfunction.
Choice C rationale:
Proteinuria is an expected finding in gestational hypertension. It is an important diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, which is a severe form of gestational hypertension.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatic dysfunction is not an expected finding in uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Hepatic dysfunction would indicate more severe complications such as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), which is a medical emergency.
Choice E rationale:
Blood pressure usually returns to normal after pregnancy in women with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor the client closely postpartum to ensure blood pressure normalization.
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