A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor. The nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Cover the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing
Place the client in knee-chest position
Insert a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord
Prepare the client for an immediate birth
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is C. Insert a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord.
A. Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing is a potential action, but relieving pressure on the cord takes precedence. This can be done by manually elevating the presenting part of the fetus off the cord.
B. Placing the client in a knee-chest position may be recommended after taking the immediate action of relieving pressure on the cord. Elevating the hips may help reduce cord compression.
C. Inserting a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord is the priority action.
By manually lifting the presenting part off the cord, the nurse can help restore blood flow to the fetus and prevent umbilical cord compression.
D. Preparing the client for an immediate birth may be necessary, but the immediate action to relieve pressure on the cord should be performed first. The healthcare provider will determine the need for urgent delivery based on the clinical situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Decreased platelet count.
A. Decreased platelet count: ITP is characterized by a decreased platelet count. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks and destroys platelets, leading to a reduction in the number of circulating platelets.
B. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ITP is not typically associated with an increased ESR. ESR is a marker of inflammation, and ITP is primarily a disorder of platelet destruction rather than inflammation.
C. Decreased megakaryocytes: ITP is often associated with normal or increased numbers of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Megakaryocytes are the precursor cells for platelets, and their increased presence indicates that the bone marrow is trying to produce more platelets to compensate for the destruction occurring in the bloodstream.
D. Increased WBC: ITP primarily affects platelet counts and does not necessarily lead to an increased white blood cell (WBC) count. The primary concern in ITP is the risk of bleeding due to low platelet levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
A. Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not directly related to the observed uniform decelerations. The primary concern is the fetal heart rate pattern.
B. Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution is not the appropriate intervention for addressing the observed fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on the oxytocin infusion rate.
C. Increasing the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin is not the appropriate action.
The patient is already experiencing frequent and strong contractions, and increasing the oxytocin rate can exacerbate the decelerations and compromise fetal well-being.
D. Discontinuing the infusion of the IV oxytocin is the correct action.
The observed uniform decelerations are likely related to oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation of the uterus. Stopping or decreasing the oxytocin infusion allows for the uterine activity to decrease, potentially improving fetal heart rate patterns.
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