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 B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Apply ice to her perineal area.This is because ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the episiotomy wound, which is a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and anus during childbirth.Ice should be applied for the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery.
Choice A is wrong because Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are not recommended for the first 12 hours after an episiotomy.They can increase blood flow and inflammation in the area, and may interfere with healing.
Choice C is wrong because keeping her hips slightly elevated can cause pressure on the episiotomy wound and increase discomfort.It can also affect blood circulation and drainage in the area.
Choice D is wrong because observing her perineal area for signs of infection is not a nursing action that should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours.Infection is rare in episiotomy wounds, and signs of infection usually appear after 24 hours or later.However, the nurse should teach the patient how to keep the area clean and dry, and when to report any signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.
Normal ranges for episiotomy healing are:
• Stitches dissolve within 2 to 4 weeks
• Pain and swelling subside within a few days to a week
• Wound heals completely within 4 to 6 weeks
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Insufficient relaxation of the uterus between contractions.This is also known astachysystoleorhyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress and uterine rupture.Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, but it can also cause them to be too strong or too frequent if given in high doses or for too long.
Choice A is wrong because oxytocin does not decrease body temperature.
Choice B is wrong because oxytocin does not cause maternal cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C is wrong because oxytocin does not cause urinary retention.
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