A nurse is providing care to a woman who is at 36 weeks of gestation and in preterm labor with ruptured membranes.The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 39.0 C (102.2 F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?
Administer prescribed antipyretics for maternal fever.
Prepare the client for emergency cesarean section.
Administer glucocorticoids intramuscularly.
Recheck the client's temperature in 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering antipyretics for maternal fever is essential as elevated maternal temperatures can increase the risk of fetal tachycardia and potentially lead to fetal distress. Reducing fever promptly is a priority to stabilize both maternal and fetal conditions.
Choice B rationale
Preparing for an emergency cesarean section is not the immediate step for maternal fever; instead, managing the fever and assessing the need for further interventions based on the overall clinical picture should be prioritized.
Choice C rationale
Administering glucocorticoids is indicated for promoting fetal lung maturity in preterm labor, not specifically for maternal fever management. Fever management requires antipyretics and hydration.
Choice D rationale
Waiting 4 hours to recheck temperature delays prompt management, increasing risks for both the mother and fetus. Immediate action to reduce fever is crucial to prevent potential complications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Uteroplacental insufficiency leads to late decelerations, which are characterized by a gradual decrease in fetal heart rate after the peak of a contraction. This indicates compromised blood flow between the uterus and placenta, affecting the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Umbilical cord compression usually causes variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Maternal bradycardia does not cause changes in fetal heart rate patterns like late decelerations.
Choice D rationale
Fetal head compression causes early decelerations, which coincide with contractions, not late decelerations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The fetal heartbeat cannot typically be heard via Doppler as early as 4 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the heart is still developing, and it is too soon for external detection with a Doppler device.
Choice B rationale
The fetal heartbeat is generally detectable by an external Doppler device around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. This is the period when the heartbeat is strong enough to be picked up by the device.
Choice C rationale
Feeling the baby move, known as "quickening," typically occurs around 18-24 weeks of pregnancy, not 6 weeks. This sensation is different from hearing the heartbeat.
Choice D rationale
While the heart begins to form around week 5, it is not detectable by Doppler at 6 weeks. The technology does not have the sensitivity to detect such an early heartbeat externally.
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