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 who is postpartum and has thrombophlebitis requires nursing interventions. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse recommend?

• A. Apply cold compresses to the affected extremity
• B. Massage the affected extremity
• C. Allow the client to ambulate
• D. Measure leg circumferences

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Measuring leg circumferences is crucial in monitoring for changes that may indicate worsening of thrombophlebitis, such as increased swelling or redness. This assessment helps in early detection of complications and timely intervention, reducing the risk of further health problems for the client. Applying cold compresses may worsen the condition by causing vasoconstriction. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge a clot and lead to embolism. Allowing the client to ambulate may increase the risk of clot migration.

3. A client in active labor is being prepared for epidural analgesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Have the client sit upright on the bed with legs crossed.
• B. Administer a 500 mL bolus of lactated Ringer's solution prior to induction.
• C. Inform the client that the anesthetic effect will last for approximately 2 hours.
• D. Obtain a 30-minute electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) strip prior to induction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Obtaining a 30-minute electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) strip prior to epidural analgesia is crucial to establish a baseline for fetal heart rate and uterine activity. This baseline helps in monitoring fetal well-being during labor and assessing the effect of analgesia on the baby. It enables the healthcare team to identify any changes in the fetal heart rate pattern and uterine contractions, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because having the client sit upright with legs crossed is not necessary for epidural placement, administering a bolus of lactated Ringer's solution is not typically done before epidural analgesia, and the duration of the anesthetic effect varies and is not accurately 2 hours.

4. A client who is 2 hours postpartum is in the taking-hold phase. Which intervention should the nurse plan to implement during this phase of postpartum behavioral adjustment?

• A. Discuss contraceptive options with the client and her partner.
• B. Repeat information to ensure client understanding.
• C. Listen to the client and her partner as they reflect upon the birth experience.
• D. Demonstrate to the client how to perform a newborn bath.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the taking-hold phase of postpartum behavioral adjustment, the new mother starts taking a stronger interest in her new role as a mother. This phase involves the mother focusing on the care of her newborn and acquiring parenting skills. Demonstrating how to perform a newborn bath is an appropriate intervention during this phase as it helps the mother actively engage in caring for her baby, which aligns with the developmental tasks of this phase. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not specifically address the mother's need to actively engage in caring for her newborn during the taking-hold phase. Discussing contraceptive options, repeating information, and listening to reflections on the birth experience are more relevant to other phases of postpartum adjustment.

5. A client at 42 weeks of gestation is having an ultrasound. For which of the following conditions should the nurse prepare for an amnioinfusion? (Select all that apply)

• A. Oligohydramnios
• B. Hydramnios
• C. Fetal cord compression
• D. Polyhydramnios

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is "Oligohydramnios". Oligohydramnios, which refers to low amniotic fluid volume, may necessitate amnioinfusion to address the deficiency. Fetal cord compression is another indication for amnioinfusion as it can help alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord. Hydramnios or polyhydramnios, conversely, involve an excess of amniotic fluid and do not typically require amnioinfusion. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in this context.

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