A patient is being prepared for an unplanned cesarean section. Which pre-procedure information is most important for the nurse to report before the administration of regional anesthesia?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C, which is reporting a laboratory value indicating a low platelet count before administering regional anesthesia for an unplanned cesarean section. Platelets are essential for clotting, and a low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding complications, particularly with regional anesthesia, which can cause epidural hematomas or spinal hematomas. By reporting this information, the healthcare team can adjust the anesthesia plan to minimize the risk of bleeding complications for the patient. Option A (Hypovolemia corrected with IV fluid administration) is important but not as crucial as ensuring the patient's platelet count is adequate before administering regional anesthesia. Hypovolemia can be managed with IV fluids perioperatively. Option B (Inability of the patient to sit on the bedside and flex forward) may indicate potential anatomical issues but is not as critical as ensuring the safety of regional anesthesia by checking platelet counts. Option D (History of patient experiencing headaches after a spinal) is relevant but does not take precedence over ensuring the patient's platelet count is within a safe range to prevent bleeding complications during regional anesthesia. From an educational perspective, understanding the importance of assessing platelet counts before regional anesthesia is crucial in preventing serious complications like hemorrhage. Nurses must prioritize patient safety by recognizing the significance of specific pre-procedure information in different clinical scenarios to provide optimal care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Encourage family to help with infant care and housework. After a cesarean delivery, the mother needs adequate rest and time to recover. Encouraging family members to assist with infant care and housework can help the mother focus on her recovery and bonding with the newborn. This support is crucial for her physical and emotional well-being during the postpartum period. Option A) Signs and symptoms to report to the healthcare provider is important, but it is not specific to the immediate post-cesarean care in this scenario. Option B) Comfortable positions for feeding the newborn is relevant for breastfeeding education but is not the priority immediately post-cesarean. Option C) Encouragement for early dietary intake of solid foods is not appropriate advice as the mother needs time to heal before resuming a normal diet post-cesarean. Educationally, it is essential to emphasize the importance of postpartum care, including the need for rest, assistance, and recovery time after a cesarean delivery to optimize maternal and newborn outcomes. Family support plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of the mother and her newborn during this critical period.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The tocotransducer is a device used for electronic fetal monitoring to measure uterine contractions. Proper placement of the tocotransducer is over the uterine fundus, which is the upper part of the uterus where contractions are most accurately detected. Placing the tocotransducer there allows for optimal monitoring of uterine activity during labor, ensuring accurate readings and appropriate interventions if necessary. Placing the tocotransducer inside the uterus, on the fetal scalp, or over the mother's lower abdomen would not provide accurate readings of uterine contractions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the fetus is in a right occiput anterior position, the back of the fetus is on the mother's right side, and the fetal heart is also located on the right side of the mother's abdomen. It is typically heard in the lower right quadrant due to the location of the fetal back and heart. The nurse should assess the fetal heart rate in the right lower quadrant of the maternal abdomen to accurately assess the well-being of the fetus in this position.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a Category II pattern of fetal heart rate is noted, placing a wedge under the left hip of the pregnant patient is indicated. This position helps to improve blood flow to the placenta and can sometimes help to improve the fetal heart rate pattern. Placing the patient in a left lateral tilt can also be effective in improving circulation and oxygenation to the fetus. It is important to act promptly in response to abnormal fetal heart rate patterns to optimize the well-being of the baby. Lowering the head of the bed, changing the position to the right side, or placing the mother in Trendelenburg position are not appropriate actions in this situation.