Labor
Which FHR decelerations would require the nurse to change the maternal position? (Select all that apply.) a. Early decelerations b. Late decelerations c. Variable decelerations d. Moderate decelerations e. Prolonged decelerations
ANS: B, C, E Early decelerations (and accelerations) do not generally need any nursing intervention. Late decelerations suggest that the nurse should change the maternal position (lateral). Variable decelerations also require a maternal position change (side to side). Moderate decelerations are not an accepted category. Prolonged decelerations are late or variable decelerations that last for a prolonged period (longer than 2 minutes) and require intervention.
In which clinical situation would the nurse most likely anticipate a fetal bradycardia? a. Intraamniotic infection b. Fetal anemia c. Prolonged umbilical cord compression d. Tocolytic treatment using terbutaline
ANS: C Fetal bradycardia can be considered a later sign of fetal hypoxia and is known to occur before fetal death. Bradycardia can result from placental transfer of drugs, prolonged compression of the umbilical cord, maternal hypothermia, and maternal hypotension. Intraamniotic infection, fetal anemia, and tocolytic treatment using terbutaline would most likely result in fetal tachycardia.
The nurse who provides care to clients in labor must have a thorough understanding of the physiologic processes of maternal hypotension. Which outcome might occur if the interventions for maternal hypotension are inadequate? a. Early FHR decelerations b. Fetal arrhythmias c. Uteroplacental insufficiency d. Spontaneous rupture of membranes
ANS: C Low maternal blood pressure reduces placental blood flow during uterine contractions, resulting in fetal hypoxemia. Maternal hypotension does not result in early FHR decelerations nor is it associated with fetal arrhythmias. Spontaneous rupture of membranes is not a result of maternal hypotension.
The uterine contractions of a woman early in the active phase of labor are assessed by an internal uterine pressure catheter (IUPC). The uterine contractions occur every 3 to 4 minutes and last an average of 55 to 60 seconds. They are becoming more regular and are moderate to strong. Based on this information, what would a prudent nurse do next? a. Immediately notify the woman's primary health care provider. b. Prepare to administer an oxytocic to stimulate uterine activity. c. Document the findings because they reflect the expected contraction pattern for the active phase of labor. d. Prepare the woman for the onset of the second stage of labor.
ANS: C The nurse is responsible for monitoring the uterine contractions to ascertain whether they are powerful and frequent enough to accomplish the work of expelling the fetus and the placenta. In addition, the nurse documents these findings in the client's medical record. This labor pattern indicates that the client is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Nothing indicates a need to notify the primary health care provider at this time. Oxytocin augmentation is not needed for this labor pattern; this contraction pattern indicates that the woman is in active labor. Her contractions will eventually become stronger, last longer, and come closer together during the transition phase of the first stage of labor. The transition phase precedes the second stage of labor, or delivery of the fetus.
A woman has been having contractions since 4 a.m. At 8 a.m., her cervix is dilated to 5 cm. Contractions are frequent, and mild to moderate in intensity. Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) has been ruled out. After giving the mother some sedation so she can rest, what would the nurse anticipate preparing for? 1. Oxytocin induction of labor 2. Amnioinfusion 3. Increased intravenous infusion 4. Cesarean section
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. Oxytocin is the drug of choice for labor augmentation or labor induction and may be administered as needed for hypotonic labor patterns.
Under which circumstances would the nurse remove prostaglandin from the client's cervix? Select all that apply. 1. Contractions every 5 minutes 2. Nausea and vomiting 3. Uterine tachysystole 4. Cardiac tachysystole 5. Baseline fetal heart rate of 140-148
Answer: 2, 3, 4 Explanation: 2. A reason to remove prostaglandin from a client's cervix is the presence of nausea and vomiting. 3. A reason to remove prostaglandin from a client's cervix is uterine tachysystole. 4. A reason to remove prostaglandin from a client's cervix is cardiac tachysystole.
When managing the care of a woman in the second stage of labor, the nurse uses various measures to enhance the progress of fetal descent. Which instruction best describes these measures? a. Encouraging the woman to try various upright positions, including squatting and standing b. Telling the woman to start pushing as soon as her cervix is fully dilated c. Continuing an epidural anesthetic so pain is reduced and the woman can relax d. Coaching the woman to use sustained, 10- to 15-second, closed-glottis bearing-down efforts with each contraction
ANS: A Both upright and squatting positions may enhance the progress of fetal descent. Many factors dictate when a woman should begin pushing. Complete cervical dilation is necessary, but complete dilation is only one factor. If the fetal head is still in a higher pelvic station, then the physician or midwife may allow the woman to "labor down" if the woman is able (allowing more time for fetal descent and thereby reducing the amount of pushing needed). The epidural may mask the sensations and muscle control needed for the woman to push effectively. Closed glottic breathing may trigger the Valsalva maneuver, which increases intrathoracic and cardiovascular pressures, reducing cardiac output and inhibiting perfusion of the uterus and placenta. In addition, holding her breath for longer than 5 to 7 seconds diminishes the perfusion of oxygen across the placenta and results in fetal hypoxia.
Which statement best describes a normal uterine activity pattern in labor? a. Contractions every 2 to 5 minutes b. Contractions lasting approximately 2 minutes c. Contractions approximately 1 minute apart d. Contraction intensity of approximately 500 mm Hg with relaxation at 50 mm Hg
ANS: A Overall contraction frequency generally ranges from two to five contractions per 10 minutes of labor, with lower frequencies during the first stage and higher frequencies observed during the second stage. Contraction duration remains fairly stable throughout the first and second stages, ranging from 45 to 80 seconds, generally not exceeding 90 seconds. Contractions 1 minute apart are occurring too often and would be considered an abnormal labor pattern. The intensity of uterine contractions generally ranges from 25 to 50 mm Hg in the first stage of labor and may rise to more than 80 mm Hg in the second stage.
A laboring woman is reclining in the supine position. What is the most appropriate nursing action at this time? a. Ask her to turn to one side. b. Elevate her feet and legs. c. Take her blood pressure. d. Determine whether fetal tachycardia is present.
ANS: A The woman's supine position may cause the heavy uterus to compress her inferior vena cava, thus reducing blood return to her heart and reducing placental blood flow. Elevating her legs will not relieve the pressure from the inferior vena cava. If the woman is allowed to stay in the supine position and blood flow to the placental is reduced significantly, then fetal tachycardia may occur. The most appropriate nursing action is to prevent this from occurring by turning the woman to her side. Blood pressure readings may be obtained when the client is in the appropriate and safest position.
Women who have participated in childbirth education classes often bring a birth plan with them to the hospital. Which items might this plan include? (Select all that apply.) a. Presence of companions b. Clothing to be worn c. Care and handling of the newborn d. Medical interventions e. Date of delivery
ANS: A, B, C, D The presence of companions, clothing to be worn, care and handling of the newborn, medical interventions, and environmental modifications all might be included in the couple's birth plan. Other items include the presence of nonessential medical personnel (students), labor activities such as the tub or ambulation, preferred comfort and relaxation methods, and any cultural or religious requirements. The expected date of delivery would not be part of a birth plan unless the client is scheduled for an elective cesarean birth.
Under which circumstance would it be unnecessary for the nurse to perform a vaginal examination? a. Admission to the hospital at the start of labor b. When accelerations of the FHR are noted c. On maternal perception of perineal pressure or the urge to bear down d. When membranes rupture
ANS: B An accelerated FHR is a positive sign; therefore, a vaginal examination would not be necessary. A vaginal examination should be performed when the woman is admitted to the hospital, when she perceives perineal pressure or the urge to bear down, when her membranes rupture, when a significant change in her uterine activity has occurred, or when variable decelerations of the FHR are noted.
A nulliparous woman has just begun the latent phase of the second stage of her labor. The nurse should anticipate which behavior? a. A nulliparous woman will experience a strong urge to bear down. b. Perineal bulging will show. c. A nulliparous woman will remain quiet with her eyes closed between contractions. d. The amount of bright red bloody show will increase.
ANS: C The woman is able to relax and close her eyes between contractions as the fetus passively descends. The woman may be very quiet during this phase. During the latent phase of the second stage of labor, the urge to bear down is often absent or only slight during the acme of the contractions. Perineal bulging occurs during the transition phase of the second stage of labor, not at the beginning of the second stage. An increase in bright red bloody show occurs during the descent phase of the second stage of labor.
The baseline FHR is the average rate during a 10-minute segment. Changes in FHR are categorized as periodic or episodic. These patterns include both accelerations and decelerations. The labor nurse is evaluating the client's most recent 10-minute segment on the monitor strip and notes a late deceleration. Which is likely to have caused this change? (Select all that apply.) a. Spontaneous fetal movement b. Compression of the fetal head c. Placental abruption d. Cord around the baby's neck e. Maternal supine hypotension
ANS: C, E Late decelerations are almost always caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. Insufficiency is caused by uterine tachysystole, maternal hypotension, epidural or spinal anesthesia, IUGR, intraamniotic infection, or placental abruption. Spontaneous fetal movement, vaginal examination, fetal scalp stimulation, fetal reaction to external sounds, uterine contractions, fundal pressure, and abdominal palpation are all likely to cause accelerations of the FHR. Early decelerations are most often the result of fetal head compression and may be caused by uterine contractions, fundal pressure, vaginal examination, and the placement of an internal electrode. A variable deceleration is likely caused by umbilical cord compression, which may happen when the umbilical cord is around the baby's neck, arm, leg, or other body part or when a short cord, a knot in the cord, or a prolapsed cord is present.
The nurse performs a vaginal examination to assess a client's labor progress. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Perform an examination at least once every hour during the active phase of labor. b. Perform the examination with the woman in the supine position. c. Wear two clean gloves for each examination. d. Discuss the findings with the woman and her partner.
ANS: D The nurse should discuss the findings of the vaginal examination with the woman and her partner, as well as report the findings to the primary care provider. A vaginal examination should be performed only when indicated by the status of the woman and her fetus. The woman should be positioned so as to avoid supine hypotension. The examiner should wear a sterile glove while performing a vaginal examination for a laboring woman.
The nurse is evaluating the EFM tracing of the client who is in active labor. Suddenly, the FHR drops from its baseline of 125 down to 80 beats per minute. The mother is repositioned, and the nurse provides oxygen, increased IV fluids, and performs a vaginal examination. The cervix has not changed. Five minutes have passed, and the FHR remains in the 80s. What additional nursing measures should the nurse take next? a. Call for help. b. Insert a Foley catheter. c. Start administering Pitocin. d. Immediately notify the care provider.
ANS: D To relieve an FHR deceleration, the nurse can reposition the mother, increase IV fluids, and provide oxygen. If oxytocin is infusing, then it should be discontinued. If the FHR does not resolve, then the primary care provider should be immediately notified. Inserting a Foley catheter is an inappropriate nursing action. If the FHR were to continue in a nonreassuring pattern, then a cesarean section could be warranted, which would require a Foley catheter. However, the physician must make that determination. The administration of Pitocin may place additional stress on the fetus.
A woman is admitted to the birth setting in early labor. She is 3 cm dilated, -2 station, with intact membranes and FHR of 150 beats/min. Her membranes rupture spontaneously, and the FHR drops to 90 beats/min with variable decelerations. What would the initial response from the nurse be? 1. Perform a vaginal exam. 2. Notify the physician. 3. Place the client in a left lateral position. 4. Administer oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula.
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. A drop in fetal heart rate accompanied by variable decelerations is consistent with a prolapsed cord. The nurse would assess for prolapsed cord via vaginal examination.
The nurse auscultates the FHR and determines a rate of 112 beats/min. Which action is appropriate? 1. Inform the maternal client that the rate is normal. 2. Reassess the FHR in 5 minutes because the rate is low. 3. Report the FHR to the doctor immediately. 4. Turn the maternal client on her side and administer oxygen.
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. A fetal heart rate of 112 beats/min. falls within the normal range of 110-160 beats/min., so there is no need to inform the doctor.
The nurse is reviewing charts of clients who underwent cesarean births by request in the last two years. The hospital is attempting to decrease costs of maternity care. What findings contribute to increased health care costs in clients undergoing cesarean birth by request? 1. Increased abnormal placenta implantation in subsequent pregnancies 2. Decreased use of general anesthesia with greater use of epidural anesthesia 3. Prolonged anemia, requiring blood transfusions every few months 4. Coordination of career projects of both partners leading to increased income
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. Repeat cesarean births are associated with greater risks including increased incidence of abnormal placentation in subsequent pregnancies and the increased risk of mortality secondary to surgery, which would contribute to increased health care costs.
Two hours ago, a client at 39 weeks' gestation was 3 cm dilated, 40% effaced, and +1 station. Frequency of contractions was every 5 minutes with duration 40 seconds and intensity 50 mmHg. The current assessment is 4 cm dilated, 40% effaced, and +1 station. Frequency of contractions is now every 3 minutes with 40-50 seconds' duration and intensity of 40 mmHg. What would the priority intervention be? 1. Begin oxytocin after assessing for CPD. 2. Give terbutaline to stop the preterm labor. 3. Start oxygen at 8 L/min. 4. Have the anesthesiologist give the client an epidural.
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. The client is having hypertonic contractions. Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) must be excluded. If CPD exists, oxytocin (Pitocin) augmentation should not be used. Oxytocin is the drug of choice for labor augmentation or labor induction.
The laboring client's fetal heart rate baseline is 120 beats per minute. Accelerations are present to 135 beats/min. During contractions, the fetal heart rate gradually slows to 110, and is at 120 by the end of the contraction. What nursing action is best? 1. Document the fetal heart rate. 2. Apply oxygen via mask at 10 liters. 3. Prepare for imminent delivery. 4. Assist the client into Fowler's position.
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. The described fetal heart rate has a normal baseline; the presence of accelerations indicates adequate fetal oxygenation, and early decelerations are normal. No intervention is necessary.
The fetal heart rate baseline is 140 beats/min. When contractions begin, the fetal heart rate drops suddenly to 120, and rapidly returns to 140 before the end of the contraction. Which nursing intervention is best? 1. Assist the client to change position. 2. Apply oxygen to the client at 2 liters per nasal cannula. 3. Notify the operating room of the need for a cesarean birth. 4. Determine the color of the leaking amniotic fluid.
Answer: 1 Explanation: 1. The fetus is exhibiting variable decelerations, which are caused by cord compression. Sometimes late or variable decelerations are due to the supine position of the laboring woman. In this case, the decrease in uterine blood flow to the fetus may be alleviated by raising the woman's upper trunk or turning her to the side to displace pressure of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava.
A client attending a prenatal class asks why episiotomies are performed. The nurse explains that risk factors that predispose women to episiotomies include which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Large or macrosomic fetus 2. Use of forceps 3. Shoulder dystocia 4. Maternal health 5. Shorter second stage
Answer: 1, 2, 3 Explanation: 1. A large fetus places a woman at risk for an episiotomy to prevent lacerations. 2. Use of forceps or vacuum extractor is a risk factor that predisposes women to episiotomies. 3. Shoulder dystocia is a risk factor that predisposes women to episiotomies.
The labor nurse would not encourage a mother to bear down until the cervix is completely dilated, to prevent which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Maternal exhaustion 2. Cervical edema 3. Tearing and bruising of the cervix 4. Enhanced perineal thinning 5. Having to perform an episiotomy
Answer: 1, 2, 3 Explanation: 1. If the cervix is not completely dilated, maternal exhaustion can occur. 2. If the cervix is not completely dilated, cervical edema can occur. 3. If the cervix is not completely dilated, tearing and bruising of the cervix can occur.
During a visit to the obstetrician, a pregnant client questions the nurse about the potential need for an amniotomy. The nurse explains that an amniotomy is performed to do which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Stimulate the beginning of labor 2. Augment labor progression 3. Allow application of an internal fetal electrode 4. Allow application of an external fetal monitor 5. Allow insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter
Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5 Explanation: 1. Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes and can be used to induce labor. 2. Amniotomy can be done to augment labor. 3. Amniotomy allows access to the fetus in order to apply an internal fetal electrode to the fetal scalp. 5. Amniotomy may be performed during labor to allow an intrauterine pressure catheter to be inserted.
A prenatal client asks the nurse about conditions that would necessitate a cesarean delivery. The nurse explains that cesarean delivery generally is performed in the presence of which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Complete placenta previa 2. Placental abruption 3. Umbilical cord prolapse 4. Precipitous labor 5. Failure to progress
Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5 Explanation: 1. When the placenta completely covers the uterine opening, a cesarean is performed. 2. Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall requires an immediate cesarean. 3. A prolapsed cord is an emergency requiring an immediate cesarean. 5. Failure to progress in labor can necessitate a cesarean birth.
The nurse is caring for a client in labor. Which signs and symptoms would indicate the client is progressing into the second stage of labor? Select all that apply. 1. Bulging perineum 2. Increased bloody show 3. Spontaneous rupture of the membranes 4. Uncontrollable urge to push 5. Inability to breathe through contractions
Answer: 1, 2, 4 Explanation: 1. As the fetal head continues its descent, the perineum begins to bulge, flatten, and move anteriorly. 2. Bloody show increases as a woman enters the second stage of labor. 4. As the fetal head descends, the woman has the urge to push because of pressure of the fetal head on the sacral and obturator nerves.
The nurse is caring for a client in the transition phase of labor and notes that the fetal monitor tracing shows average short-term and long-term variability with a baseline of 142 beats per minute. What actions should the nurse take in this situation? Select all that apply. 1. Provide caring labor support. 2. Administer oxygen via face mask. 3. Change the client's position. 4. Speed up the client's intravenous. 5. Reassure the client and her partner that she is doing fine.
Answer: 1, 5 Explanation: 1. The tracing is normal, so the nurse can continue support of the labor. 5. The nurse can reassure the client at this time, as the tracing is normal.
A client arrives in the labor and delivery unit and describes her contractions as occurring every 10-12 minutes, lasting 30 seconds. She is smiling and very excited about the possibility of being in labor. On exam, her cervix is dilated 2 cm, 100% effaced, and -2 station. What best describes this labor? 1. Second phase 2. Latent phase 3. Active phase 4. Transition phase
Answer: 2 Explanation: 2. In the early or latent phase of the first stage of labor, contractions are usually mild. The woman feels able to cope with the discomfort. The woman is often talkative and smiling and is eager to talk about herself and answer questions.
The nurse anticipates that the physician will most likely order a cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin test for which client? 1. The client at 34 weeks' gestation with gestational diabetes 2. The client at 32 weeks' gestation with regular uterine contractions 3. The client at 37 weeks' multi-fetal gestation 4. The client at 20 weeks' gestation with ruptured amniotic membranes
Answer: 2 Explanation: 2. The absence of cervicovaginal fFN between 20 and 34 weeks' gestation has been shown to be a strong predictor of a woman not experiencing preterm birth due to spontaneous preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. Positive findings indicate a 99% probability of birth within the next 2 weeks.
The client presents for cervical ripening in anticipation of labor induction tomorrow. What should the nurse include in her plan of care for this client? 1. Apply an internal fetal monitor. 2. Monitor the client using electronic fetal monitoring. 3. Withhold oral intake and start intravenous fluids. 4. Place the client in a upright, sitting position.
Answer: 2 Explanation: 2. The client should be monitored using electronic fetal monitoring for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours after placement to assess the contraction pattern and the fetal status.
Amniotomy as a method of labor induction has which of the following advantages? Select all that apply. 1. The danger of a prolapsed cord is decreased. 2. There is usually no risk of hypertonus or rupture of the uterus. 3. The intervention can cause a decrease in pain. 4. The color and composition of amniotic fluid can be evaluated. 5. The contractions elicited are similar to those of spontaneous labor.
Answer: 2, 4, 5 Explanation: 2. There is usually no risk of hypertonus or rupture of the uterus and this is an advantage of amniotomy. 4. The color and composition of amniotic fluid can be evaluated and this is an advantage of amniotomy. 5. The contractions elicited are similar to those of spontaneous labor and this is an advantage of amniotomy.
A client at 40 weeks' gestation is to undergo stripping of the membranes. The nurse provides the client with information about the procedure. Which information is accurate? Select all that apply. 1. Intravenous administration of oxytocin will be used to initiate contractions. 2. The physician/CNM will insert a gloved finger into the cervical os and rotate the finger 360 degrees. 3. Stripping of the membranes will not cause discomfort, and is usually effective. 4. Labor should begin within 24-48 hours after the procedure. 5. Uterine contractions, cramping, and a bloody discharge can occur after the procedure.
Answer: 2, 4, 5 Explanation: 2. This motion separates the amniotic membranes that are lying against the lower uterine segment and internal os from the distal part of the lower uterine segment. 4. If labor is initiated, it typically begins within 24-48 hours. 5. Uterine contractions, cramping, scant bleeding, and bloody discharge can occur after stripping of the membranes.
Persistent early decelerations are noted. What would the nurse's first action be? 1. Turn the mother on her left side and give oxygen. 2. Check for prolapsed cord. 3. Do nothing. This is a benign pattern. 4. Prepare for immediate forceps or cesarean delivery.
Answer: 3 Explanation: 3. Early decelerations are considered benign, and do not require any intervention.
The client is recovering from a delivery that included a midline episiotomy. Her perineum is swollen and sore. Ten minutes after an ice pack is applied, the client asks for another. What is the best response from the nurse? 1. "I'll get you one right away." 2. "You only need to use one ice pack." 3. "You need to leave it off for at least 20 minutes and then reapply." 4. "I'll bring you an extra so that you can change it when you are ready."
Answer: 3 Explanation: 3. For optimal effect, the ice pack should be applied for 20 to 30 minutes and removed for at least 20 minutes before being reapplied.
The client presents to the labor and delivery unit stating that her water broke 2 hours ago. Barring any abnormalities, how often would the nurse expect to take the client's temperature? 1. Every hour 2. Every 2 hours 3. Every 4 hours 4. Every shift
Answer: 3 Explanation: 3. Maternal temperature is taken every 4 hours unless it is above 37.5°C. If elevated, it is taken every hour.
A young adolescent is transferred to the labor and delivery unit from the emergency department. The client is in active labor, but did not know she was pregnant. What is the most important nursing action? 1. Determine who might be the father of the baby for paternity testing. 2. Ask the client what kind of birthing experience she would like to have. 3. Assess blood pressure and check for proteinuria. 4. Obtain a Social Services referral to discuss adoption.
Answer: 3 Explanation: 3. Preeclampsia is more common among adolescents than in young adults, and is potentially life-threatening to both mother and fetus. This assessment is the highest priority.
After inserting prostaglandin gel for cervical ripening, what should the nurse do? 1. Apply an internal fetal monitor. 2. Insert an indwelling catheter. 3. Withhold oral intake and start intravenous fluids. 4. Place the client in a supine position with a right hip wedge.
Answer: 4 Explanation: 4. After the gel, intravaginal insert, or tablet is inserted, the woman is instructed to remain lying down with a rolled blanket or hip wedge under her right hip to tip the uterus slightly to the left for the first 30 to 60 minutes to maintain the cervical ripening agent in place.
In the operating room, a client is being prepped for a cesarean delivery. The doctor is present. What is the last assessment the nurse should make just before the client is draped for surgery? 1. Maternal temperature 2. Maternal urine output 3. Vaginal exam 4. Fetal heart tones
Answer: 4 Explanation: 4. Ascertain fetal heart rate (FHR) before surgery and during preparation because fetal hypoxia can result from aortocaval compression.
The nurse is caring for a laboring client. A cervical exam indicates 8 cm dilation. The client is restless, frequently changing position in an attempt to get comfortable. Which nursing action is most important? 1. Leave the client alone so she can rest. 2. Ask the family to take a coffee-and-snack break. 3. Encourage the client to have an epidural for pain. 4. Reassure the client that she will not be left alone.
Answer: 4 Explanation: 4. Because the client is in the transitional phase of the first stage of labor, she will not want to be left alone; staying with the client and reassuring her that she will not be alone are the highest priorities at this time
The multiparous client at term has arrived to the labor and delivery unit in active labor with intact membranes. Leopold maneuvers indicate the fetus is in a transverse lie with a shoulder presentation. Which physician order is most important? 1. Artificially rupture membranes. 2. Apply internal fetal scalp electrode. 3. Monitor maternal blood pressure every 15 minutes. 4. Alert surgical team of urgent cesarean
Answer: 4 Explanation: 4. This is the highest priority because vaginal birth is impossible with a transverse lie. Labor should not be allowed to continue, and a cesarean birth is done quickly.
The nurse is completing discharge teaching for a client who delivered 2 days ago. Which statement by the client indicates that further information is required? 1. "Because I have a midline episiotomy, I should keep my perineum clean." 2. "I can use an ice pack to relieve some the pain from the episiotomy." 3. "I can take ibuprofen (Motrin) when my perineum starts to hurt." 4. "The tear I have through my rectum is unrelated to my episiotomy."
Answer: 4 Explanation: 4. This statement is incorrect. The major disadvantage is that a tear of the midline incision may extend through the anal sphincter and rectum.
After several hours of labor, the electronic fetal monitor (EFM) shows repetitive variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. The nurse would interpret the decelerations to be consistent with which of the following? 1. Breech presentation 2. Uteroplacental insufficiency 3. Compression of the fetal head 4. Umbilical cord compression
Answer: 4 Explanation: 4. Variable decelerations occur when there is umbilical cord compression.