A laboring patient experiences a sudden rupture of membranes and the nurse observes a prolapsed cord. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reposition the patient to relieve pressure on the cord. This is the priority action because a prolapsed cord can lead to fetal compromise due to decreased blood flow. By repositioning the patient to a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position, gravity helps alleviate pressure on the cord. This action is crucial to prevent further compromise to the fetus. Incorrect Choices: B: Immediately prepare the patient for a cesarean delivery - While this may be necessary eventually, the immediate priority is to relieve pressure on the cord. C: Administer oxygen at 10 L/min - Oxygen may be needed, but it is not the priority action in this emergency situation. D: Monitor the fetal heart rate continuously - Monitoring is important, but repositioning the patient to relieve cord compression takes precedence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increases maternal relaxation. Hydrotherapy during labor helps relax the mother by reducing stress, anxiety, and pain perception, promoting a sense of well-being. Relaxation can lead to better pain management and overall labor experience. Choice A is incorrect because hydrotherapy may not directly accelerate cervical dilation. Choice C is incorrect as it may reduce discomfort but does not necessarily prevent perineal trauma. Choice D is incorrect as the duration of labor can vary and is not solely determined by hydrotherapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because offering warm wet cloths to place on the patient's face and neck can help promote relaxation by providing a soothing sensation. This measure can help to reduce stress and tension, creating a calming environment for the laboring woman. A: Recommending frequent position changes can help with labor progress and comfort, but it may not specifically address relaxation. B: Palpating the filling bladder every 15 minutes is important for monitoring urinary output, but it is not a direct comfort measure for relaxation. D: Keeping the room lights lit may be necessary for visibility, but bright lights can be distracting and may hinder relaxation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because helping the woman manage the pain is essential in nursing care for a laboring patient to ensure her comfort and well-being during labor. This intervention includes providing pain relief measures, such as positioning, massage, breathing techniques, and administering pain medication if needed. The focus is on supporting the woman's coping mechanisms and enhancing her overall birthing experience. Choice B is incorrect because eliminating pain completely is not always possible or recommended in labor, as some pain is a natural part of the process. Choice C is incorrect as comfort with the predictable nature of care is not as crucial as providing active pain management. Choice D is incorrect because sharing personal experiences may not be relevant or helpful to the laboring patient and may not address her specific needs during labor.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is gravida 3, para 2, with a history of the shortest previous labor of 4 hours. This indicates a high likelihood of rapid labor progression, necessitating immediate hospital or birth center access to ensure timely delivery. Choice A lives 10 minutes away, which may not be enough time in case of rapid labor. Choice B, living 40 minutes away, poses a risk of delivering en route. Choice C's previous labor duration of 16 hours suggests a longer labor, making immediate hospital arrival less critical.