The nurse is caring for patients on the Labor and delivery unit. Which patient will the nurse consider at higher risk for having a newborn with a myelomeningocele?
A patient who had no prenatal care.
A patient in active Labor with wounds.
A patient with premature rupture of membranes.
A patient experiencing a precipitous Labor.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Lack of prenatal care is a significant risk factor for neural tube defects, including myelomeningocele, because it often means the mother did not receive important prenatal vitamins like folic acid, which are crucial for proper neural tube development. Prenatal care provides essential screenings and supplements to support a healthy pregnancy and fatal development. Without it, the risk of congenital anomalies, such as myelomeningocele, increases significantly. Additionally, prenatal care helps in identifying and managing other risk factors and conditions that may affect both maternal and fatal health.
Choice B reason: While active Labor with wounds requires medical attention and may pose risks to both mother and baby, it does not directly correlate with an increased risk of myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is a congenital condition related to neural tube development early in pregnancy. The presence of wounds in active Labor may indicate complications such as trauma or infection, but these are not associated with neural tube defects.
Choice C reason: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a condition where the amniotic sac ruptures before Labor begins, potentially leading to preterm birth and infections. While PROM is a concern and requires appropriate medical intervention, it is not directly linked to the development of myelomeningocele. The causes of PROM and neural tube defects like myelomeningocele are different, with PROM often related to issues with the amniotic sac or maternal infections.
Choice D reason: Precipitous Labor, which is an unusually rapid Labor and delivery, can pose risks such as trauma to the birth canal and complications for the newborn, but it is not associated with an increased risk of myelomeningocele. The speed of Labor and delivery is not a contributing factor to neural tube defects. Instead, precipitous Labor is more concerning for potential delivery complications and the need for rapid medical response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Informing the patient that they are in latent Labor is appropriate in this situation. Latent Labor, also known as early Labor, is characterized by cervical dilation of up to 3 cm and mild contractions that may last for several hours or even days. It is important to educate the patient about the early stages of Labor and what to expect as it progresses.
Choice B reason: Initiating Labor augmentation is not necessary at this point. Labor augmentation is typically used when Labor is not progressing adequately. In this case, the patient is in the early stages of Labor, and there is no indication that augmentation is needed.
Choice C reason: Preparing the patient for a caesarean delivery is not warranted based on the information provided. The patient's condition does not suggest any immediate need for a caesarean section, and the Labor is still in its early stages.
Choice D reason: Anticipating admission to the Labor and delivery unit may not be required at this stage. Since the patient is in latent Labor, they may be advised to stay at home until Labor progresses further and the contractions become more intense and frequent. This helps reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and allows the patient to be more comfortable in their home environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to ambulate intermittently and change positions can help alleviate early decelerations by improving uteroplacental blood flow and promoting fatal oxygenation. Movement and position changes can reduce compression on the umbilical cord and facilitate Labor progression.
Choice B reason: Placing the patient in the left lateral position can improve uteroplacental blood flow, but increasing the oxytocin rate is not indicated based on the current findings. Early decelerations are typically not a sign of Labor dystocia requiring oxytocin augmentation.
Choice C reason: Administering oxygen via a non-rebreather mask is generally reserved for situations where there is significant fatal distress or non-reassuring fatal heart rate patterns. Early decelerations are usually benign and do not necessitate supplemental oxygen.
Choice D reason: Teaching the patient to push when she feels the urge during contractions is appropriate during the second stage of Labor. However, the current findings with early decelerations do not indicate the need for this intervention at this time. The focus should be on monitoring and managing the fatal heart rate.
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