A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled for a cesarean birth.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Apply sequential compression devices prior to the procedure.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter immediately following the procedure.
Initiate oxytocin via continuous IV infusion prior to the procedure.
Perform a surgical timeout while the client is in the preoperative holding area.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are applied preoperatively to promote venous return and prevent venous stasis in the lower extremities, significantly reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE), which are critical concerns during and after major surgery like a cesarean birth. Prophylaxis should commence before the operation for maximal effect.
Choice B rationale
An indwelling urinary catheter is typically inserted prior to the cesarean section, after the client receives regional anesthesia, to ensure the bladder is empty during the procedure, preventing injury to the bladder by the surgeon and maintaining a clear surgical field. It is not delayed until immediately following the procedure.
Choice C rationale
Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent administered post-delivery of the placenta (not prior to the procedure) via continuous IV infusion to stimulate uterine contractions, which is crucial for preventing postpartum hemorrhage by promoting myometrial contraction and vessel constriction.
Choice D rationale
The surgical timeout, a critical patient safety measure that verifies the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site, is performed by the entire surgical team immediately prior to the incision, typically after the client enters the operating room and is prepped, not while they are in the preoperative holding area.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Body tremors are a key indicator of central nervous system (CNS) hyperirritability, which is a major component of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) following in utero exposure to opioids like heroin. The newborn's immature CNS struggles to adapt after the abrupt cessation of the drug, leading to uncoordinated, jerky movements, exaggerated reflexes, and generalized irritability.
Choice B rationale
Tachypneic respirations (respiratory rate greater than 60 breaths/min) are a common sign of NAS. This occurs due to the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and increased metabolic rate associated with the hyperirritable state. Other respiratory signs include flaring, retractions, and frequent yawning or sneezing, reflecting CNS overstimulation.
Choice C rationale
The hyperirritability of the CNS in NAS typically leads to increased and exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia), such as a hyperactive Moro reflex, not decreased reflexes. Decreased reflexes would suggest CNS depression, which is characteristic of acute opioid intoxication, not the withdrawal state of NAS.
Choice D rationale
Newborns experiencing NAS are characterized by CNS hyperstimulation, leading to excessive wakefulness, irritability, and an inability to be consoled, often referred to as hyperactivity or agitation. Extreme lethargy and hypoactivity are signs of CNS depression or severe illness, which is contrary to the expected presentation of NAS.
Choice E rationale
The hyper-responsiveness of the newborn's CNS in NAS causes a characteristic high-pitched, non-stop, inconsolable crying. This shrill, distressed cry is due to the sustained state of irritability and neurological overstimulation, representing a significant manifestation of withdrawal symptoms that is distressing to both the newborn and the caregivers.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking about the fluid's color (clear, meconium-stained, bloody) provides information about fetal well-being and potential complications (like meconium aspiration), but it is a secondary assessment. While important, it does not supersede the need to immediately assess the most urgent physiological parameter of fetal status, which is the heart rate.
Choice B rationale
The rupture of membranes (water breaking) carries a risk of prolapsed umbilical cord, which can severely compromise fetal oxygenation by compressing the umbilical vessels. Determining the fetal heart rate (FHR) immediately is the priority action to identify signs of fetal distress, such as bradycardia (FHR <110 beats/min), indicating cord compression. The normal FHR range is 110-160 beats/min.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring cervical dilation is necessary to determine the stage and progress of labor. However, in the setting of ruptured membranes, assessing the immediate safety and stability of the fetus takes precedence over checking labor progress. A vaginal exam to check dilation is done after assessing FHR and ruling out immediate emergencies like cord prolapse.
Choice D rationale
Determining the vaginal pH with Nitrazine paper can confirm if the fluid is amniotic fluid (alkaline, pH 7.0-7.5) or urine/vaginal secretions (acidic). While this confirms the rupture of membranes, establishing the status of the fetus by assessing the FHR is the most critical and life-saving priority action to take first to prevent or quickly address fetal hypoxia.
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