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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Client Finding Assessment:

White blood cell count (18,000/mm³)

Expected: An elevated white blood cell count is common postpartum due to the body's inflammatory response to delivery, especially within the first few days after birth. This level is within the typical postpartum range of 5,000 to 30,000/mm³.

Blood clot size (pea-sized)

Expected: Small blood clots are common during the early postpartum period. It is normal to see some small clots in the lochia as the uterus contracts and expels blood from the uterine lining.

Uterine findings (firm and midline, 1–2 cm below the umbilicus)

Expected: A firm, midline uterus with a descent of about 1–2 cm below the umbilicus is a normal finding during the early postpartum period. This indicates appropriate uterine involution.

Lochia findings (moderate to light amount, no odor, with clots)

Expected: Lochia rubra (red blood flow) is expected during the first few days postpartum, with moderate bleeding and the presence of small clots. The absence of foul odor suggests no infection, which is a positive sign.

Calf findings (one varicose vein visible on left calf)

Expected: It is common for women to have visible varicose veins during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins. These may persist postpartum, and unless associated with pain or swelling, they do not typically require intervention.

Blood pressure (145/98 mm Hg)

Unexpected: Elevated blood pressure postpartum is concerning and could indicate postpartum hypertension or preeclampsia. This needs to be addressed and monitored closely as it can be a sign of a serious condition that requires further evaluation.

A. right upper quad at B. left upper quadrant C. right lower quadrant D. left lower quadrant

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Right upper quadrant:
The right upper quadrant would not be the most appropriate place to auscultate the fetal heart rate in this scenario. In a vertex presentation with the fetal back on the left side, the best location for auscultation is typically along the fetal back, which is on the left side of the mother. The right upper quadrant would place you over the small parts of the fetus (limbs, hands, etc.), which generally would not be where the fetal heart rate is best heard.

B) Left upper quadrant:
The left upper quadrant is the most appropriate area to begin auscultation for this fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern. In this position, the fetal back is positioned towards the left side of the mother's abdomen, and the heart rate is typically heard most clearly over the back. The left upper quadrant would be over the fetal back, making it the best location to auscultate the FHR accurately.

C) Right lower quadrant:
The right lower quadrant would not be ideal for auscultating the fetal heart rate in this scenario. Since the fetal back is on the left side, the right lower quadrant would likely be over the fetal small parts (arms and legs), where the FHR would be harder to distinguish.

D) Left lower quadrant:
Although the left lower quadrant is on the left side of the mother, it's closer to the pelvic area and may be less effective for auscultating the fetal heart rate in this vertex presentation. It's more likely to be over the lower parts of the fetus, potentially interfering with accurate heart rate auscultation.

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As a woman enters the second stage of labor, her membranes spontaneously rupture. What action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse on a postpartum caring for a client. Exhibits For each potential client finding, click to specify if the finding is expected or unexpected.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newborn following a vaginal birth. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as requiring follow-up? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is teaching a student nurse about the anticipated care of a maternal client with ruptured membranes during the second stage of labor. Which of the following statements by the student indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A client in the second stage of labor reports to a nurse that they are feeling pain and pressure in their pelvis and perinium. Which of the following should the nurse understand that this pain is caused by?

A nurse is caring for a client in the second stage of labor who does not want any tools used to assist with the vaginal birth. Which of the following interventions should the nurse understand will help prevent an assisted vaginal birth? (Select All that Apply.)

The nurse asks a laboring client to lie on her left side. The appropriate rationale for this measure is to:

A nurse Is caring for a primigravid client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and asks, "How will I know if I am in labor?" Which of the following manifestations of true labor should the nurse discuss with the client? (Select All that Apply.)