A patient who is 38 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital in active labor.
On admission, the patient says, “For the past ten hours, I have been leaking small amounts of urine.” Which action should the nurse take initially?
Check the patient’s bladder for distention.
Test the patient’s vaginal secretions with nitrazine paper.
Check the patient’s urine for glucose content.
Obtain a specimen of the patient’s vaginal secretions for culture
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice B. Test the patient’s vaginal secretions with nitrazine paper.
This is because the patient may be leaking amniotic fluid rather than urine, and nitrazine paper can help differentiate between the two by testing the pH level. Amniotic fluid is alkaline and will turn the paper blue, while urine is acidic and will turn the paper yellow.
Choice A is wrong because checking the patient’s bladder for distention will not help determine if the patient is leaking amniotic fluid or urine.
Choice C is wrong because checking the patient’s urine for glucose content will not help determine if the patient is leaking amniotic fluid or urine.
Glucose content may be elevated in patients with gestational diabetes, but this is not related to the patient’s complaint.
Choice D is wrong because obtaining a specimen of the patient’s vaginal secretions for culture will not help determine if the patient is leaking amniotic fluid or urine.
Culture may be done to check for infections, but this is not the initial action that the nurse should take.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Arrange for her to meet the staff who will be caring for her during labor and delivery.This measure can help reduce the anxiety and fear of the unknown that a primigravida may have in the last month of pregnancy.Meeting the staff can also help establish rapport and trust, which are essential for a positive birth experience.
Choice A is wrong because an increase in fetal activity does not necessarily require an increase in the need to rest.
Fetal activity is normal and expected, and the mother should monitor it regularly.Resting may help with some discomforts of pregnancy, but it is not directly related to fetal activity.
Choice B is wrong because back labor is not likely for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Back labor occurs when the fetus is in an occiput posterior position, which puts pressure on the mother’s spine and causes intense pain in the lower back.This position is more common in multiparous women than primigravidas.
Choice D is wrong because testing urine for glucose is not a routine measure for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Urine glucose testing is done for women who have gestational diabetes or are at risk of developing it.It is not necessary for women who have normal blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Dry off the newborn.This is the priority nursing action because it prevents heat loss and hypothermia in the newborn.
The newborn has a large surface area and a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, making it vulnerable to cold stress.Drying off the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which helps clear the airways.
Choice A is wrong because obtaining a serum sample is not a priority action and may cause unnecessary pain and bleeding in the newborn.
Choice C is wrong because assessing the newborn’s Moro reflex is not a priority action and may be done later during the physical examination.Choice D is wrong because obtaining the newborn’s footprints is not a priority action and may be done after the bonding and breastfeeding period.
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