A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient who is having induction of labor with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line.Uterine contractions occur every 2 minutes, last 90 seconds each, and are strong to palpation.
The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/min, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction, nadir after the peak of the contraction, and a return to baseline after the contraction is over.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Increase the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin.
Decrease the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution.
Discontinue the infusion of the IV oxytocin.
Slow the client's rate of breathing.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Increasing the rate of infusion of IV oxytocin in the presence of abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations is contraindicated. It may exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, further compromising fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution will not address the issue of uterine hyperstimulation or abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on managing oxytocin administration.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of IV oxytocin is appropriate due to uterine tachysystole and associated fetal heart rate decelerations. This helps reduce uterine contractions and allows for fetal recovery, improving oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not related to managing uterine contractions or fetal heart rate decelerations. The intervention should directly address the cause of the decelerations, which is oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
Based on the provided information:
- Boggy fundus: This indicates uterine atony, which is a primary cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Addressing this immediately is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Heavy lochia with small clots: This further supports the concern for postpartum hemorrhage, necessitating prompt attention to assess and manage the bleeding.
Therefore, the nurse should first address the client's Fundus (Option A) followed by the client's Lochia (Option C).
So, the completed sentence would be:
"The nurse should first address the client's Fundus followed by the client's Lochia."
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
The client most likely has umbilical cord compression, as evidenced by the presence of variable decelerations in fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine tenderness. Umbilical cord compression is the most plausible condition given the symptoms and clinical indicators. Variable decelerations in FHR often indicate transient umbilical cord compression. Uterine tenderness can be associated with positional changes that exacerbate compression. These findings necessitate immediate intervention to improve fetal oxygenation and monitor ongoing fetal well-being.
Parameters:
- Variable decelerations in FHR: Indicate intermittent cord compression, leading to changes in fetal oxygenation, necessitating continuous monitoring.
- Uterine tenderness: Suggests possible positional issues or complications related to compression, requiring careful assessment to ensure optimal fetal and maternal health.
Actions:
- Change client position: Positional changes can relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, improving fetal oxygenation.
- Initiate continuous fetal monitoring: Essential to assess the ongoing status of fetal heart rate and detect any further decelerations or complications promptly.
Other Conditions:
- Dysfunctional labor: Typically associated with abnormal progression of labor, not directly indicated by variable decelerations or uterine tenderness alone.
- Placental abruption: Characterized by painful bleeding and abdominal pain, not suggested by the provided data.
- Pre-eclampsia: Marked by high blood pressure and proteinuria, absent in this case.
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