The nurse examines a client who is admitted in active labor and determines the cervix is 3 cm dilated 50% effaced, and the presenting part is at 0 station. An hour later. she tells the nurse that she wants to go to the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Review the fetal heart rate pattern
Check the pH of the vaginal fluid
Determine cervical dilation.
Palpate the client's bladder
The Correct Answer is D
A. Review the fetal heart rate pattern: Checking the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern is crucial during labor to ensure the baby is tolerating labor well and there are no signs of fetal distress. However, when the client expresses a need to use the bathroom, this may not be the immediate action required.
B. Check the pH of the vaginal fluid: Checking the pH of the vaginal fluid is not typically an initial action when a laboring client expresses a need to go to the bathroom. Monitoring the pH may be relevant for various reasons, but it's not a primary consideration in this context.
C. Determine cervical dilation: The initial examination revealed the cervix was 3 cm dilated. While reassessing the cervical dilation could provide information about the progress of labor, it may not be the most immediate action needed when the client wants to use the bathroom.
D. Palpate the client's bladder: This is the most relevant action when a laboring client expresses a desire to go to the bathroom. Palpating the bladder can help determine if it's full, which is important because a full bladder might impede labor progress or cause discomfort during contractions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. While this can be a concern, the client in this scenario has already given birth, so this may not be the highest priority at this moment.
B. Hard, painful uterine afterpains: Afterpains are common in the postpartum period, especially in women who have given birth to multiples. While they can be uncomfortable, they are generally expected and not considered a severe complication.
C. Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood disturbances. While it is a serious concern, it might not be the immediate priority in a client who has had a severe postpartum hemorrhage.
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): This is a life-threatening condition where there is widespread activation of clotting factors, leading to excessive blood clotting followed by bleeding. Given the history of severe postpartum hemorrhage, DIC is a significant concern, and prompt assessment and intervention are crucial.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Prepare for a cesarean section:Active herpes lesions are a contraindication for vaginal delivery due to the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to the newborn. A cesarean section is necessary to prevent the baby from coming into direct contact with the herpes lesions and reduce the risk of neonatal herpes infection.
Cover the lesion with a dressing:While covering the lesion might be part of overall care, it does not address the primary concern of preventing transmission to the newborn during delivery.
Obtain blood cultures:
Obtaining blood cultures may not be the primary action in this situation. The concern is more related to preventing the transmission of the herpes virus to the newborn.
Administer penicillin:
Penicillin is not the treatment for herpes. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir are typically used for the treatment of herpes infections.
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