A nurse is creating the plan of care for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and in active labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty blaadder at all times.
Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.
Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.
Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain an empty bladder at all times.
Routinely inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary for maintaining an empty bladder during labor. While it is important to ensure the client has a voiding schedule, the use of an indwelling catheter should be reserved for specific medical indications, such as when the client is unable to void or has received an epidural. Indwelling catheters can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and should be used judiciously.
Choice B: Keep four side rails up while the client is in bed, maintaining strict bedrest.
Keeping all four side rails up and maintaining strict bedrest is not appropriate during active labor. This practice can limit the client’s movement, which is essential for comfort and progress during labor. Movement and changing positions can help labor progress and reduce pain. Strict bedrest is generally reserved for specific medical conditions, such as preterm labor or other complications.
Choice C: Monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) hourly during active labor.
Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial during labor to assess the well-being of the fetus. However, hourly monitoring may not be sufficient. Guidelines recommend more frequent monitoring, typically every 15-30 minutes during the active phase of labor and every 5-15 minutes during the second stage. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring may be used for high-risk pregnancies or if there are signs of fetal distress.
Choice D: Check the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration.
Checking the cervix to determine how close the time of delivery may be prior to analgesic administration is important. This practice helps ensure that analgesics are administered at an appropriate time, avoiding potential complications such as delayed delivery or inadequate pain relief. Cervical checks provide valuable information about the progress of labor and help guide clinical decisions regarding pain management and delivery planning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A:The priority action when the fetal monitor tracing shows late decelerations after the client's membranes rupture is to turn the client onto her side. This position change helps relieve pressure on the vena cava and improves blood flow to the fetus.
Choice B: Increasing the client's IV fluid infusion rate is not the first priority in this situation, as late decelerations are primarily related to uteroplacental insufficiency rather than maternal hydration status.
Choice C: Administering oxygen to the client is important, but turning the client onto her side should be the first action to improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice D: Palpating the client's uterus is not the first priority in the presence of late
decelerations. The focus should be on relieving the compression on the vena cava and improving fetal oxygenation by changing the client's position.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring weight gain is correct because appropriate weight gain helps support fetal growth and reduces risks of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Choice B reason:
Using nonprescription medications without provider approval is unsafe since many over-the-counter drugs (like NSAIDs or decongestants) can harm the fetus. This shows a need for further teaching.
Choice C reason:
Telling the provider before using home remedies is appropriate, as some herbs or supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy.
Choice D reason:
Reducing stress is correct because high maternal stress can negatively affect pregnancy outcomes and fetal development.
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