Following a minor motor vehicle collision, a client at 36-weeks gestation is brought to the emergency center.She is lying supine on a backboard, is awake, and denies any complaints.
Her blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg and her heart rate is 130 beats/minute.
Which action should the nurse implement first?
Infuse 1,000 mL normal saline using a large bore IV.
Obtain a blood sample for a complete blood count.
Tilt the backboard sideways to displace the uterus laterally.
Palpate the abdomen for contractions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Infusing 1,000 mL normal saline using a large bore IV is a good response to increase the client's blood volume and improve blood pressure, but it should not be the first action. The immediate priority is to relieve the compression of the inferior vena cava caused by the gravid uterus, which is decreasing blood return to the heart and causing hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count is important for assessing the client's overall health and identifying any possible complications, but it does not address the immediate life-threatening issue of hypotension caused by the gravid uterus compressing the inferior vena cava.
Choice C rationale
Tilting the backboard sideways to displace the uterus laterally is the correct first action. This maneuver helps to relieve the compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus, thereby improving blood return to the heart, increasing cardiac output, and normalizing blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Palpating the abdomen for contractions is important to assess for potential labor or uterine irritability, but it does not address the immediate need to relieve the compression of the inferior vena cava causing hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein but is not particularly high in folic acid. It is beneficial for overall health but not the best option for increasing folic acid intake.
Choice B rationale
Collard greens are high in folic acid, but since the client does not like green leafy vegetables, this option is not suitable for her.
Choice C rationale
Whole milk provides vitamin D and calcium, but it is not a significant source of folic acid. It would not effectively help the client meet her increased folic acid needs.
Choice D rationale
Strawberries are a good source of folic acid and can be a suitable option for the client to increase her intake without consuming green leafy vegetables or soy products. .
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A blood pressure of 170/98 mm Hg is significantly elevated and concerning during pregnancy. This may indicate preeclampsia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Choice B rationale: A pain rating of 5 out of 10 with each contraction is common during labor and does not necessarily require intervention unless the pain is unmanageable or the client requests additional pain relief measures.
Choice C rationale: Variable decelerations lasting 20 seconds can indicate cord compression or other issues affecting fetal oxygenation. Continuous monitoring and possible interventions are required to ensure fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale: A fetal heart rate of 142 beats/minute with accelerations is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being. No immediate intervention is needed for this finding.
Choice E rationale: Absent deep tendon reflexes are a concerning finding, especially with the administration of magnesium sulfate. This can indicate magnesium toxicity, which requires prompt intervention to adjust the medication dosage and prevent adverse effects.
Choice F rationale: A temperature of 98.6° F (37° C) is within normal limits and does not require intervention.
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