The nurse is assessing a client who has been admitted in active labor.
The cervix is dilated to 3 cm, 50% effaced, and the presenting part is at 0 station. An hour later, the client informs the nurse that she needs to use the restroom.
What should be the nurse’s first course of action?

Review the pattern of the fetal heart rate.

Check the client’s bladder.

Determine the dilation of the cervix.

Test the pH of the vaginal fluid.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Reviewing the pattern of the fetal heart rate is important but not the immediate first step when a client in active labor needs to use the restroom. The nurse should first assess the progress of labor.

Choice B rationale: Checking the client's bladder is necessary, especially if the bladder is full, as it can affect labor progress. However, the priority is to assess the cervix first to ensure the client is not in an advanced stage of labor before addressing bladder concerns.

Choice C rationale: Determining the dilation of the cervix is crucial. The need to use the restroom may indicate increased pressure from the presenting part of the fetus, suggesting rapid labor progression. This assessment will help determine if it is safe for the client to ambulate to the restroom or if other immediate actions are needed.

Choice D rationale: Testing the pH of the vaginal fluid can be part of assessing for the presence of amniotic fluid, but it is not the first step when a client in active labor expresses the need to use the restroom. Cervical assessment takes priority in this situation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While notifying the charge nurse about the patient’s condition is an important step, it is not the immediate action that should be taken in this situation. The priority is to address the tachysystolic or tetanic contractions and variable fetal heart decelerations, which are signs of potential fetal distress.

Choice B rationale

Discontinuing the oxytocin infusion is the correct action. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor. If a patient begins to experience tachysystolic or tetanic contractions, which are excessively frequent or prolonged contractions, it could lead to fetal distress. Discontinuing the oxytocin can help reduce the frequency and intensity of the contractions.

Choice C rationale

Reducing the rate of the oxytocin infusion may not be sufficient in this situation. Tachysystolic or tetanic contractions with variable fetal heart decelerations are serious signs that require immediate action. Simply reducing the rate of the infusion may not alleviate these symptoms quickly enough.

Choice D rationale

Adjusting the position of the fetal monitor transducers would not address the issue of tachysystolic or tetanic contractions. While it is important to ensure accurate monitoring of the fetus, the priority in this situation is to address the potentially harmful contractions.

A. Pudendal block. B. Paracervical block. C. Epidural block. D. Saddle block.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

A pudendal block is a type of anesthesia that results in a loss of sensation confined to the vagina and perineum. It’s often used during the second stage of labor or for episiotomy repair.

Choice B rationale

A paracervical block provides anesthesia to the cervix and the lower part of the uterus, but it does not specifically target the vagina and perineum.

Choice C rationale

An epidural block provides a band of numbness from the bellybutton to the upper legs, allowing the patient to be awake and alert throughout labor. It’s not confined to the vagina and perineum.

Choice D rationale

A saddle block is a type of spinal anesthesia that numbs the inner thighs, buttocks, and area around the rectum (the “saddle” area), but it’s not confined to the vagina and perineum.

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The nurse is assessing a client who has been admitted in active labor. The cervix is dilated to 3 cm, 50% effaced, and the presenting part is at 0 station. An hour later, the client informs the nurse that she needs to use the restroom. What should be the nurse’s first course of action?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient in early labor is receiving oxytocin and begins to experience tachysystolic or tetanic contractions with variable fetal heart decelerations.What should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which type of anesthesia, when used with a laboring client, results in a loss of sensation confined to the vagina and perineum?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The nurse is assessing a client who has been admitted in active labor.
The cervix is dilated to 3 cm, 50% effaced, and the presenting part is at 0 station. An hour later, the client informs the nurse that she needs to use the restroom.
What should be the nurse’s first course of action?