The nurse is evaluating the fetal monitor tracing of the patient who is in active labor.
Suddenly, the nurse sees the FHR drop from its baseline of 125 down to 80. The nurse repositions the mother, provides oxygen, increases intravenous fluids, and performs a vaginal exam.
The cervix has not changed.
Two minutes have passed, and the fetal heart rate remains in the 70s.
What additional nursing measures should the nurse take?
Call for help and notify the care provider.
Immediately get help and have the operating room ready.
Start Pitocin.
Insert a Foley catheter.
Repeat the uterine resuscitation.
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A rationale
Calling for help and notifying the care provider ensures that expert medical assistance is available promptly for any emergency interventions required.
Choice B rationale
Getting help and preparing the operating room ensures readiness for an immediate cesarean section if fetal distress persists and the situation does not improve rapidly.
Choice C rationale
Starting Pitocin is inappropriate during fetal distress as it may further stress the fetus by increasing contraction frequency and intensity, potentially worsening the situation.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a Foley catheter does not address the immediate concern of fetal distress and would not provide immediate benefit in improving fetal heart rate.
Choice E rationale
Repeating uterine resuscitation measures (e.g., repositioning, oxygen, IV fluids) is essential, but if they are ineffective, additional interventions, such as preparing for possible surgical delivery, are needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), where the fetus does not grow as expected.
Choice B rationale
Excess weight gain is not solely due to overeating; it can result from edema, gestational diabetes, or other metabolic factors.
Choice C rationale
Height is a factor in determining a pregnant woman’s target weight range, influencing the overall recommended weight gain.
Choice D rationale
Obese women have higher risks of complications, including gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders, differing from normal weight women.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Paceritation is a term not commonly recognized in obstetrics. It lacks clinical relevance and does not correlate with increased risk during labor when membranes rupture.
Choice B rationale
Shoulder dystocia occurs during delivery when the baby's shoulder gets stuck after the head is delivered. It is unrelated to ruptured membranes and does not increase the associated risk.
Choice C rationale
Infection risk increases significantly after membranes rupture due to potential bacterial entry into the uterine cavity. Normal WBC count is 4,000-11,000 cells/mcL.
Choice D rationale
Meconium aspiration occurs when the newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, typically in post-term pregnancies or fetal distress. It is not directly linked to ruptured membranes.
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