The practical nurse (PN) is assigned to assist in the care of a laboring client at 42-weeks gestation. While providing perineal care, the PN observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Which action should the PN take?
Support the client's upper body and knees with pillows.
Encourage the client to push with the next contraction.
Assist the team to prepare for a possible cesarean delivery.
Gently wrap the cord with a dry sterile dressing.
The Correct Answer is C
The umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency situation that requires immediate intervention. The PN should not attempt to push the cord back into the vagina or cover it with a dry sterile dressing. Instead, the PN should notify the healthcare provider and the obstetrical team and assist in preparing for an emergency cesarean delivery.
Option A and B may be appropriate in some situations, but they are not the priority in this scenario.
Therefore, options A, B, and D are not answers because they do not address the immediate emergency of umbilical cord prolapse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The PN should report the injury details to the charge nurse. This is important because the charge nurse needs to be aware of any changes in the patient's condition and can help determine the appropriate course of action. The other options are not the most appropriate actions for the PN to take in this situation.
Obtaining a heel stick glucose (A) may be necessary if hypoglycemia is suspected, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Initiating strict intake and output measurements (C) may be necessary for monitoring fluid balance, but it is not the most immediate concern.
Swaddling the infant in a blanket (D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of the head injury and seizure episode.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should recognize that a newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus and is exhibiting grunting with mild sternal retractions is exhibiting signs of patent ductus arteriosus. Patent ductus arteriosus is a condition in which the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth. This can result in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery, leading to respiratory distress.
Hypothyroidism (Option A) and hyperinsulinemia (Option C) are conditions that can occur in newborns, but they do not typically present with grunting and sternal retractions.
Ventral septal defect (Option D) is a congenital heart defect that can cause respiratory distress, but it is not specifically associated with maternal diabetes.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today