As a woman enters the second stage of labor, her membranes spontaneously rupture. What action should the nurse take?
Check fetal heart rate
instruct her to bare down with the next contraction
Place her legs in stirrups
Test a sample of the amniotic fluid for meconium
The Correct Answer is A
A) Check fetal heart rate:
The first priority when a woman's membranes spontaneously rupture is to assess fetal well-being. The nurse should immediately check the fetal heart rate (FHR) after the rupture of membranes to evaluate for any signs of fetal distress. If there are any concerns regarding the FHR, further interventions may be needed, such as adjusting the maternal position or preparing for a possible emergent delivery. Monitoring the FHR will help guide subsequent decisions regarding care.
B) Instruct her to bear down with the next contraction:
While the second stage of labor involves pushing, it is important to wait for the appropriate signs of readiness before instructing the mother to bear down. The nurse should ensure the cervix is fully dilated and that fetal descent is progressing appropriately. Rushing into pushing too early or without proper readiness can lead to maternal and fetal complications.
C) Place her legs in stirrups:
Placing the mother’s legs in stirrups is typically done once she is in the active phase of pushing (typically when the cervix is fully dilated and fetal descent is ready). It is not the first priority immediately after the membranes rupture. The nurse should first assess the fetal heart rate and ensure the woman is comfortable and ready to push before assuming the lithotomy position or placing her legs in stirrups.
D) Test a sample of the amniotic fluid for meconium:
Testing the amniotic fluid for meconium should be done if there is concern that the amniotic fluid may be stained, as meconium in the amniotic fluid can be a sign of fetal distress. However, the first action after the membranes rupture is to check the fetal heart rate. If the FHR is normal, further actions, like testing the fluid, may follow, but the priority remains assessing fetal well-being.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Change client position every 30 minutes:
Changing positions regularly during the second stage of labor can help facilitate fetal descent and improve the effectiveness of contractions. This strategy also helps relieve pressure on certain areas of the body, such as the perineum and lower back, promoting more effective pushing and reducing the need for assisted delivery. Frequent position changes can help the mother progress in labor without the need for tools or interventions.
B) Upright positions:
Upright positions, such as standing, squatting, or kneeling, can be beneficial in the second stage of labor. These positions allow gravity to assist in the descent of the baby, which can help avoid the need for forceps or vacuum extraction. Upright positions also tend to open up the pelvis and can result in more effective pushing, reducing the likelihood of an assisted vaginal delivery.
C) Supine positions:
Supine positions (lying on the back) are not recommended for avoiding an assisted vaginal birth. Lying on the back can hinder fetal descent and may also lead to increased pressure on the inferior vena cava, which can decrease blood flow and oxygen to the uterus. This position tends to slow down labor and may increase the need for interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction, making it less favorable for a spontaneous vaginal delivery.
D) Lateral positions:
Lateral positions (lying on one side) can also help in the second stage of labor. This position can improve uterine blood flow, relieve pressure on the perineum, and provide more room for the baby to descend. It is a good alternative to supine positions and can aid in achieving a vaginal birth without assistance.
E) Delayed pushing:
Delayed pushing can be helpful for some clients, especially if they are not fully dilated or if they need time to rest. However, delayed pushing is not directly related to preventing an assisted vaginal birth. In fact, if the mother waits too long to push or doesn't push effectively, it could potentially lead to more complications or require assisted interventions. The key is ensuring that pushing is done effectively and at the right time in the second stage, rather than delaying it unnecessarily.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) G5 T1 P2 A1 L2:
G (Gravida): Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies, including the current pregnancy. In this case, the woman is currently pregnant and has had 4 previous pregnancies (one miscarriage at 10 weeks, one at 22 weeks, and two live births). Therefore, her Gravida (G) is 5.
T (Term births): Term births are those that occur at or after 37 weeks of gestation. The woman delivered an 18-month-old daughter who was born 2 days after her due date, which is a term birth. Thus, her Term (T) is 1.
P (Preterm births): Preterm births occur between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation. The woman had a son born at 35 weeks, which is classified as a preterm birth. Therefore, the Preterm (P) is 2.
A (Abortions or miscarriages): Abortions refer to pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks of gestation. The woman experienced two miscarriages, one at 10 weeks and one at 22 weeks. Thus, the Abortions (A) is 1.
L (Living children): Living children are those who are currently alive. The woman has a 3-year-old son and an 18-month-old daughter, so the Living (L) is 2.
Thus, the correct GTPAL classification is G5 T1 P2 A1 L2.
B) G5 T2 P2 A1 L2:
This is incorrect because the woman had only one term birth (not two). She delivered her daughter at term, but the son was preterm (born at 35 weeks). Therefore, her Term (T) should be 1, not 2.
C) G4 T1 P2 A2 L2:
This is incorrect because the woman is currently pregnant, so her Gravida (G) is 5, not 4. Additionally, the woman had 1 abortion, not 2.
D) G4 T1 P1 A2 L2:
This is also incorrect because the woman is currently pregnant, so her Gravida (G) is 5, not 4. Furthermore, the woman had 2 preterm births, not 1.
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