A nurse is teaching a student nurse about the anticipated care of a maternal client with ruptured membranes during the second stage of labor. Which of the following statements by the student indicates an understanding of the teaching?
The client will progress one station every 2 hours
The client should feel the urge to push at -2 station."
Th client's temperature will need to be checked every hour when the membranes have ruptured."
The client's cervix will need to be checked every 30 minutes."
The Correct Answer is C
A) The client will progress one station every 2 hours:
This statement is inaccurate. The progress of labor in terms of fetal station does not follow a predictable or uniform rate. While some progression might occur every hour or two, it varies greatly depending on factors such as the position of the fetus, maternal anatomy, and strength of contractions. Labor can progress at different rates, and not all clients will experience consistent progression every 2 hours.
B) The client should feel the urge to push at -2 station:
This statement is incorrect. The urge to push generally occurs once the fetal head has descended to +1 or +2 station, which is closer to the perineum. At -2 station, the fetal head is still relatively high in the pelvis, and the client typically will not feel the urge to push until the head is lower. The urge to push is often experienced when the fetal head is well engaged in the pelvis and ready for delivery.
C) The client's temperature will need to be checked every hour when the membranes have ruptured:
This statement is correct. Once the membranes have ruptured, there is an increased risk of infection, as the protective barrier of the amniotic sac is no longer intact. Checking the maternal temperature every hour is an essential practice to monitor for signs of infection, such as chorioamnionitis, especially since the longer the rupture lasts, the greater the risk of infection. A rise in temperature is a key indicator of infection in the postpartum period.
D) The client's cervix will need to be checked every 30 minutes:
This is not correct practice. Cervical checks should be performed only when clinically indicated, not routinely every 30 minutes. Frequent cervical checks can increase the risk of infection, especially after the membranes have ruptured. The cervix should be assessed when there is a clinical reason to do so, such as checking for progress in labor or when considering interventions like an epidural or pushing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Decrease the heart rate of the fetus:
Lying on the left side can sometimes help improve fetal oxygenation, especially if there is a concern about reduced blood flow from compression of the inferior vena cava, which can occur when the mother lies on her back. However, the primary rationale for this position is to prevent supine hypotension, not specifically to decrease fetal heart rate. In fact, side-lying can promote better oxygen exchange, which can indirectly benefit the fetal heart rate.
B) Aid the women while she pushes:
While a left-side lying position may offer comfort during labor and can help with uterine positioning, it is not specifically intended to aid in the pushing phase. Positions such as squatting or hands-and-knees are generally more helpful during the pushing phase because they can facilitate effective pushing and help the baby descend into the birth canal. The left-side position is more about circulation and preventing hypotension.
C) Prevent supine hypertension:
Supine hypotension occurs when the pregnant woman lies flat on her back, which can compress the inferior vena cava and reduce blood return to the heart. This leads to a drop in blood pressure and can compromise both maternal and fetal circulation. The left-side position is recommended because it helps to prevent this compression and allows optimal blood flow to both the mother and fetus, improving oxygenation and circulation.
D) Prevent the client from falling out of bed:
While lying on the left side may make the woman feel more stable, the primary reason for this position is to prevent supine hypotension, not to prevent her from falling out of bed. The nurse would ensure safety by using appropriate bed rails and monitoring, but the primary concern is supporting optimal circulation, not preventing falls.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Practicing effleurage on the abdomen:
It is an excellent non-pharmacological pain management technique that can help distract the mother, reduce anxiety, and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with early labor. It also promotes relaxation and can help manage early labor pain effectively without the need for medications. This technique is easy to perform and can be done by the nurse or the partner, providing emotional support along with pain relief.
B) Beginning epidural anesthesia:
Epidural anesthesia is typically not initiated in the early phase of labor unless there is a specific indication or a desire for significant pain relief early in the process. An epidural is more commonly offered in the later stages of labor, when the pain is more intense and the cervix is further dilated. Starting an epidural too early could expose the mother to unnecessary risks and is generally not recommended unless it's requested or deemed medically necessary.
C) Using an opioid antagonist, such as Butorphanol:
Opioids, including Butorphanol, can have side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and respiratory depression in both the mother and fetus. These medications are more commonly used in later stages of labor or when more potent pain relief is required. Additionally, opioid antagonists like Butorphanol may not be the best choice for a client who is experiencing anxiety and mild to moderate pain in the early phase, as they may not provide the relaxation and coping support that non-pharmacological methods like effleurage offer.
D) Immersing the client in hot water in a pool or Jacuzzi:
While immersion in water can be a helpful method of pain relief, especially during labor, it is generally recommended in the later stages of labor or when the cervix is dilated enough for water immersion to be safely utilized. Immersion in hot water may not be appropriate for all patients and could potentially lead to risks like overheating or changes in blood pressure. Additionally, the early phase of labor often involves less intense pain, and less invasive methods like effleurage are usually preferred first to manage discomfort and reduce anxiety.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.