During a vaginal delivery the midwife tells you that a shoulder dystocia has occurred. Which of the following initial nursing actions is appropriate at this time?
Apply Oxygen
Increase IV Pitocin
Apply downward pressure on the woman's fundus
Flex the woman's thighs sharply toward her abdomen
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply oxygen. While oxygen may be administered if fetal distress is present, it does not directly resolve shoulder dystocia, which is a mechanical issue requiring immediate positional maneuvers to free the impacted shoulder.
B. Increase IV Pitocin. Increasing oxytocin (Pitocin) is contraindicated in shoulder dystocia because it can cause stronger contractions, worsening the impaction and increasing the risk of fetal injury or uterine rupture.
C. Apply downward pressure on the woman's fundus. Fundal pressure should never be applied in shoulder dystocia, as it can further wedge the fetal shoulder against the pubic bone, increasing the risk of brachial plexus injury and fetal distress.
D. Flex the woman's thighs sharply toward her abdomen. The McRoberts maneuver, which involves sharply flexing the mother’s thighs to widen the pelvic outlet, is the first-line intervention for shoulder dystocia. This maneuver helps rotate the pelvis and reposition the fetal shoulder, increasing the chances of a successful vaginal delivery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Right-sided epigastric pain. Epigastric pain, especially on the right side, is a concerning sign of preeclampsia and may indicate liver involvement due to elevated liver enzymes or HELLP syndrome. This symptom should be assessed further as it suggests worsening disease progression.
B. Uterine contractions. Uterine contractions are not a defining feature of preeclampsia. They are more commonly associated with preterm labor rather than hypertension-related complications. While preeclampsia can lead to preterm birth, contractions alone do not confirm or negate the condition.
C. Bright red painless vaginal bleeding. Bright red painless vaginal bleeding is more indicative of placenta previa or another obstetric complication rather than preeclampsia. Preeclampsia primarily presents with hypertension, proteinuria, and systemic symptoms rather than vaginal bleeding.
D. Severe headache. A severe headache is a classic symptom of preeclampsia, often due to elevated blood pressure and cerebral edema. Persistent headaches that do not resolve with usual interventions should be evaluated promptly as they may indicate worsening hypertension or an impending seizure.
E. Visual disturbances. Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, photophobia, or seeing spots are common in preeclampsia and can signal cerebral edema or increased intracranial pressure. This is a significant warning sign requiring immediate assessment.
F. Dull backache. A dull backache is more commonly associated with musculoskeletal strain, labor, or a urinary tract infection rather than preeclampsia. While discomfort can be present in pregnancy, it is not a defining symptom of preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Treat opportunistic infections. Antiretroviral drugs do not directly treat opportunistic infections. They help suppress the HIV virus, which in turn strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections, but specific infections require separate antimicrobial treatment.
B. Supplement radiation and chemotherapy. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not used as a supplement to radiation or chemotherapy. While HIV-positive patients can develop certain cancers like Kaposi’s sarcoma, ART is aimed at controlling HIV rather than being a direct cancer treatment.
C. Decrease viral loads in the blood. Antiretroviral drugs work by suppressing HIV replication, thereby decreasing viral load in the bloodstream. This helps maintain immune function, reduces the risk of perinatal transmission, and improves overall health outcomes. Consistent use of ART can even lower viral loads to undetectable levels, significantly reducing transmission risk.
D. Cure acute HIV/AIDS infections. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy helps manage the disease by reducing viral replication and preventing progression to AIDS, but it does not eradicate the virus from the body. Lifelong adherence to ART is necessary for disease control.
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