When the mother's membranes rupture during active labor, the fetal heart rate should be observed for the occurrence of which periodic pattern?

Increase in baseline variability.

Non-periodic accelerations.

Early decelerations.

Variable decelerations.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

An increase in baseline variability is generally considered a reassuring sign of fetal well-being, indicating a responsive central nervous system and adequate oxygenation. While important to monitor, it is not a specific periodic pattern to observe immediately following membrane rupture due to potential cord compression. Normal baseline variability ranges from 6 to 25 beats per minute.

Choice B rationale

Non-periodic accelerations are abrupt increases in fetal heart rate above the baseline, typically lasting less than 30 seconds. They are usually a reassuring sign, often occurring with fetal movement or stimulation. While their presence is noted, they are not the primary periodic pattern to observe immediately after membrane rupture for potential complications.

Choice C rationale

Early decelerations are gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that mirror the uterine contractions. They are thought to be caused by fetal head compression and are generally considered benign. While their presence is documented, they are not the most concerning pattern immediately after membrane rupture, which raises the risk of cord issues.

Choice D rationale

Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate that are variable in timing and shape in relation to uterine contractions. They are often caused by umbilical cord compression, which is a significant risk factor immediately following the rupture of membranes, as the fluid cushion around the cord is reduced. Prompt identification is crucial for intervention.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Methylergonovine is an oxytocic medication that stimulates smooth muscle contraction of the uterus. While it can cause vasoconstriction and potentially lead to an increase in blood pressure, this is a potential side effect, not the intended therapeutic effect indicating the medication's effectiveness in the postpartum period. The primary goal is uterine contraction to control postpartum bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Breast pain is related to engorgement and milk production, not directly influenced by methylergonovine's action on the uterus. The medication's effectiveness is assessed by its impact on uterine tone and bleeding, not breast comfort. Therefore, the absence of breast pain does not indicate that the methylergonovine has been effective.

Choice C rationale

Methylergonovine is given to decrease postpartum bleeding by promoting uterine contraction, which helps to compress the blood vessels at the placental site. An increase in lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) would suggest that the medication is not effective in achieving its intended therapeutic outcome of reducing hemorrhage.

Choice D rationale

Methylergonovine's primary therapeutic effect in the postpartum period is to stimulate uterine smooth muscle contraction, leading to a firm fundus. A firm fundus indicates that the uterus is contracting effectively, which helps to compress blood vessels at the placental site and control postpartum bleeding. This is the desired outcome of methylergonovine administration.

A. White blood cell count B. Blood clot size C. Uterine findings D. Lochia findings E. Calf findings F. Blood pressure

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

White blood cell count: Expected—mild leukocytosis is normal postpartum due to physiological stress.
Blood clot size: Expected—small clots, like a pea-sized clot, are common and not concerning unless excessive bleeding occurs.
Uterine findings: Expected—firm and midline uterus indicating effective involution.
Lochia findings: Expected—progressing normally without signs of infection (no foul odor).
Calf findings: Expected—a single varicose vein without tenderness or swelling is not concerning.
Blood pressure: Expected—within normal postpartum range.

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When the mother's membranes rupture during active labor, the fetal heart rate should be observed for the occurrence of which periodic pattern?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and received methylergonovine.Which of the following findings indicates that the medication was effective?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a 32-year-old female client who is 2 days postpartum in the postpartum unit. Exhibits For each potential client finding, click to specify if the finding is expected or unexpected.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

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A primigravida at 40 weeks of gestation is having erratic uterine contractions every 5 to 10 minutes and states that they are very painful.Her cervix is dilated 2 cm and has not changed in 3 hours.The woman is crying and wants an epidural.What is the likely status of this woman's labor?

A nurse is caring for a 28-year-old female client who is 2 days postpartum in the postpartum unit. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the list of options: The nurse should first address the client’s dropdown followed by their dropdown.

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