When planning care for a laboring client, the practical nurse (PN) identifies the need to withhold solid foods while the client is in labor.
Which is the most important reason for this nursing intervention?
Nausea occurs from analgesics used during labor.
An increased risk of aspiration can occur if general anesthesia is needed.
Gastric emptying time decreases during labor.
Autonomic nervous system stimulation during labor decreases peristalsis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While nausea can occur from analgesics used during labor, and solid foods might exacerbate it, this is not the primary or most critical reason for withholding them. The major concern is related to potential aspiration during anesthesia or an emergency. Analgesics can also cause gastric stasis, but the aspiration risk remains paramount.
Choice B rationale
If general anesthesia becomes necessary during labor, the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is significantly increased due to delayed gastric emptying and relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter. Aspiration pneumonitis can lead to severe respiratory complications. Therefore, withholding solid foods minimizes this critical risk.
Choice C rationale
Gastric emptying time actually increases during labor, meaning food remains in the stomach for a longer duration. This prolonged retention of gastric contents heightens the risk of aspiration if the client requires general anesthesia or experiences emesis. Reduced peristalsis contributes to this extended emptying time.
Choice D rationale
Autonomic nervous system stimulation, specifically sympathetic activation, during labor leads to a decrease in gastrointestinal motility and peristalsis. This physiological response contributes to delayed gastric emptying, increasing the volume of gastric contents and subsequently elevating the risk of aspiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A visit summary documenting the report of abuse may be legally required for documentation but does not directly provide the client with immediate safety resources. The priority is to empower the client with actionable steps to ensure her safety and well-being in an abusive situation.
Choice B rationale
Contact information for a women's shelter provides a crucial immediate resource for safety and support. These shelters offer a safe haven, counseling, and assistance with legal and social services, empowering the client to escape the abusive environment and access necessary resources for herself and potentially her children.
Choice C rationale
Paperwork needed to file a restraining order is a legal step that the client may choose to pursue later. However, in an immediate confiding situation, providing a direct safety resource like shelter information is more paramount, as filing a restraining order requires time and legal processes that may not offer immediate protection.
Choice D rationale
A safety plan to keep in a purse at all times is a valuable tool for future use but does not address the immediate need for a safe place or resources. While important for long-term safety, the initial intervention should focus on providing immediate pathways to escape the abusive situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of outcome. The client has had a pregnancy that resulted in a miscarriage at 16 weeks, a pregnancy that resulted in fetal demise at 31 weeks, and the current pregnancy at 39 weeks. Therefore, the total number of pregnancies is 3. The gravida is 3.
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