A patient who is 42 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital in active labor.The patient is upset and says to the nurse, "I haven't felt the baby move for about three or four hours." The fetal heart rate is ranging between 136 and 143.
Which action should the nurse take?
Ask the patient if she has had any alcoholic beverages within the past 24 hours.
Find out if the patient has had any bloody vaginal discharge today.
Tell the patient that the fetal heart rate does not appear to indicate that the baby is in distress.
Explain to the patient the relationship between a woman's anxiety level and her ability to detect movement.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because a normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, and the range of 136 to 143 indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and not experiencing hypoxia or acidosis. The nurse should reassure the patient and explain that fetal movement may decrease during labor due to the pressure of the contractions on the uterus and the fetus.
Choice A is wrong because asking the patient about alcohol consumption is irrelevant and insensitive.
Alcohol can affect fetal development and growth, but it does not directly affect fetal movement or heart rate.
Choice B is wrong because bloody vaginal discharge, or bloody show, is a normal sign of cervical dilation and effacement during labor.
It does not indicate fetal distress or placental abruption.
Choice D is wrong because explaining the relationship between anxiety and fetal movement does not address the patient’s concern or provide any factual information.
Anxiety can affect maternal perception of fetal movement, but it does not cause fetal movement to decrease.
The nurse should validate the patient’s feelings and provide factual reassurance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. The reason for the patient’s visit at this time.
This information will help the nurse assess the patient’s motivation, readiness, and urgency for contraception.
It will also help the nurse tailor the education and counseling to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
Choice A is wrong because the amount of sexual experience that the patient has had is not relevant to determine the patient’s knowledge base.
It may also make the patient feel uncomfortable or judged.
Choice B is wrong because the type of contraceptive that the patient’s friends are using is not a reliable source of information.
Different methods may have different advantages and disadvantages for different people.
The nurse should provide evidence-based information and guidance on various options.
Choice D is wrong because the method of contraception that the patient believes will provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases may not be accurate or effective.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. A multipara is a woman who has given birth more than once.
After delivery, the uterus contracts to return to its normal size and position.
However, in multiparas, the uterine muscles may be weaker and less able to contract effectively.
This can lead to a condition called uterine atony, where the uterus does not contract enough to prevent bleeding.
Uterine atony can also cause the uterus to descend into the vagina, which is called a prolapsed uterus.
Therefore, multiparas need frequent uterine fundal assessments to monitor the tone and position of the uterus and prevent complications.
Choice A is wrong because breast care teaching is important for all postpartum women, regardless of parity.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can occur in any woman who is breastfeeding or not.
It is not more common in multiparas.
Choice C is wrong because a strict toileting schedule is not necessary for multiparas.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, usually from the urethra.
UTIs are not more common in multiparas, unless they have other risk factors such as catheterization, diabetes, or sexual activity.
Choice D is wrong because an “as needed” order for an analgesic may not be adequate for multiparas.
Pain after delivery can vary depending on the type and duration of labor, the size and position of the baby, and the use of anesthesia or episiotomy.
Multiparas may experience more pain due to stretching of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, or due to afterpains, which are contractions of the uterus that occur after delivery.
Therefore, multiparas may need regular doses of analgesics to manage their pain effectively.
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