Nursing Elites

1. A patient on the labor and delivery unit is having induction of labor with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line. Uterine contractions occur every 2 minutes, last 90 seconds, and are strong to palpation. The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/min, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction and a return to baseline after the contraction is over. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Decrease the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution.
• B. Discontinue the infusion of the IV oxytocin.
• C. Increase the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin.
• D. Slow the client's breathing rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The described pattern suggests late decelerations, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency. Discontinuing the oxytocin infusion helps reduce uterine contractions, improving placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation. This intervention is essential to prevent fetal compromise and potential harm during labor. Choice A is incorrect because decreasing the rate of the maintenance IV solution does not directly address the cause of the late decelerations. Choice C is incorrect because increasing the rate of IV oxytocin can worsen uterine contractions, exacerbating the fetal distress. Choice D is incorrect because slowing the client's breathing rate is not indicated in the management of late decelerations during labor.

2. A client in active labor at 39 weeks of gestation is receiving continuous IV oxytocin and has early decelerations in the FHR on the monitor tracing. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
• B. Continue monitoring the client.
• C. Request that the provider assess the client.
• D. Increase the infusion rate of the maintenance IV fluid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early decelerations in the FHR are benign and are typically caused by fetal head compression during contractions. In this case, with the client at 39 weeks of gestation and on oxytocin, it is important for the nurse to continue monitoring the client. Early decelerations do not require intervention as they are a normal response to certain stimuli and do not indicate fetal distress. Discontinuing the oxytocin infusion (Choice A) is not necessary as early decelerations are not related to oxytocin administration. Requesting the provider to assess the client (Choice C) is not needed for early decelerations as they are a normal finding. Increasing the infusion rate of the maintenance IV fluid (Choice D) is not indicated and would not address the early decelerations. Therefore, the appropriate action is to continue monitoring the client and reassess as needed.

3. A client who is 2 days postpartum has a saturated perineal pad with bright red lochia containing small clots. What should the nurse document in the client's medical record?

• A. Moderate lochia rubra
• B. Excessive lochia serosa
• C. Light lochia rubra
• D. Scant lochia serosa

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Moderate lochia rubra.' On the second day postpartum, it is normal for lochia to be bright red and contain small clots, indicating moderate lochia rubra. This amount of bleeding is expected as the uterus continues to shed its lining after childbirth. Excessive lochia serosa, light lochia rubra, and scant lochia serosa do not accurately reflect the described scenario. Excessive lochia serosa is more characteristic of a later postpartum period, while light and scant lochia serosa are not consistent with the bright red color and small clots observed in this case.

4. When assisting a client with breastfeeding, which of the following reflexes will promote the newborn to latch?

• A. Babinski
• B. Rooting
• C. Moro
• D. Stepping

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rooting. The rooting reflex is crucial in newborns as it helps them locate the nipple for feeding. This reflex involves turning the head towards a stimulus that touches the cheek or mouth, aiding in the process of latching onto the breast for breastfeeding. The Babinski reflex is the fanning out and curling of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked, the Moro reflex is the startle reflex in response to a sudden noise or movement, and the stepping reflex is the appearance of taking steps when an infant is held upright with feet touching a solid surface. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not play a direct role in promoting a newborn to latch during breastfeeding.

5. A woman at 38 weeks of gestation is admitted in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

• A. Recheck the client's temperature in 4 hours.
• B. Administer glucocorticoids intramuscularly.
• C. Assess the odor of the amniotic fluid.
• D. Prepare the client for emergency cesarean section.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated temperature in a woman with ruptured membranes may indicate infection. Assessing the odor of the amniotic fluid can help determine if chorioamnionitis (an infection of the amniotic fluid) is present. This assessment is crucial to guide further interventions and management of the client's condition. Options A, B, and D are incorrect. Rechecking the client's temperature in 4 hours does not address the immediate concern of potential infection. Administering glucocorticoids intramuscularly is not indicated based solely on an elevated temperature. Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean section is premature and not supported by the information provided.

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