A woman in active labor is experiencing umbilical cord prolapse. What is the priority nursing action?

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Question 1 of 5

A woman in active labor is experiencing umbilical cord prolapse. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of umbilical cord prolapse, the priority nursing action is to prepare for an immediate cesarean section. Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the presenting part of the fetus. This can lead to compression of the cord, compromising fetal blood flow and oxygenation. Immediate delivery via cesarean section is necessary in order to prevent fetal hypoxia and avoid potential complications such as brain damage or death. Elevating the mother's hips or administering intravenous fluids rapidly may be interventions done in conjunction with preparing for a cesarean section, but the priority remains expedited delivery of the baby. Applying external fetal monitoring is not the most appropriate action in this emergency situation.

Question 2 of 5

A woman in active labor experiences persistent fetal malposition, with the fetus in a transverse lie presentation. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to address this abnormal labor presentation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a woman in active labor experiences persistent fetal malposition, such as a transverse lie presentation, assisting the mother into a hands-and-knees position is a nursing intervention to prioritize. This position can help encourage the fetus to rotate into a more favorable position for delivery, such as a head-down position. By placing the mother in a hands-and-knees position, gravity can assist in shifting the fetus to the correct position. This intervention is non-invasive and can be effective in promoting the progress of labor and avoiding the need for more invasive interventions like instrumental delivery or cesarean section. However, if the fetus does not rotate or if there are signs of fetal distress, further interventions may be necessary.

Question 3 of 5

A postpartum client is breastfeeding and expresses discomfort during feedings due to sore nipples. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to alleviate nipple soreness?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Proper latch technique is the most important nursing intervention to alleviate nipple soreness in a breastfeeding client. When a baby latches on correctly, it helps prevent nipple trauma and soreness. Educating the client on how to achieve a proper latch, such as ensuring the baby's mouth covers both the nipple and areola, can significantly reduce discomfort during feedings. Improving the latch can also enhance milk transfer, leading to better breastfeeding outcomes for both the mother and baby. While lanolin cream (choice C) can provide some relief for sore nipples, addressing the root cause by correcting the latch is crucial for long-term comfort and successful breastfeeding. Using nipple shields (choice B) or encouraging the use of breast pumps (choice D) should not be the first line of intervention when addressing sore nipples, as they do not address the underlying issue of latch technique.

Question 4 of 5

A postpartum client who experienced a perineal laceration reports pain and discomfort during defecation. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to alleviate symptoms?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a postpartum client who experienced a perineal laceration and reports pain and discomfort during defecation is to recommend the use of stool softeners or laxatives. Perineal lacerations can lead to pain and discomfort during bowel movements due to the strain that passing stools may cause on the tender area. Stool softeners or laxatives can help soften the stool, making it easier and less painful for the client to have bowel movements. It is important to alleviate the discomfort and promote bowel regularity to prevent complications such as constipation, which can further exacerbate the pain and delay healing of the perineal laceration.

Question 5 of 5

A postpartum client who delivered via cesarean section expresses concerns about breastfeeding difficulties and worries about insufficient milk supply. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to address the client's concerns?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to prioritize in this situation is providing education on techniques to improve latch and milk transfer. Cesarean section deliveries can sometimes pose challenges for breastfeeding initiation, but with proper education and support, many women can successfully breastfeed following a C-section. By teaching the client techniques to improve latch and milk transfer, the nurse can help address the client's concerns about breastfeeding difficulties and worries about insufficient milk supply. This proactive approach empowers the client to overcome breastfeeding challenges and increase their confidence in their ability to breastfeed successfully. Referring the client to a lactation consultant for specialized support may also be beneficial, but providing initial education on latch and milk transfer is crucial in this early postpartum period. Recommending formula feedings or discouraging breastfeeding may not be appropriate interventions, as they can affect the establishment of breastfeeding and undermine the client's breastfeeding goals.

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