What is the priority action for a mother with a fever during labor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide IV antibiotics. Fever during labor could indicate infection, which can be harmful to both the mother and baby. Administering IV antibiotics is the priority action to treat the infection promptly and prevent complications. Administering antipyretics only treats the symptom, not the underlying cause. Encouraging hydration orally may be important but should not take precedence over addressing a potential infection. Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but immediate intervention with antibiotics is crucial in this situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Assessing for dehydration and starvation is crucial in managing hyperemesis gravidarum, as it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus. Dehydration can result from persistent vomiting and may require intravenous fluids. Starvation can occur due to poor nutrient intake. Monitoring these factors helps in providing appropriate treatment and preventing further health issues. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Isolating the patient from family is not necessary and can have negative psychological impacts. Support from family is crucial in managing hyperemesis gravidarum. C: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a physical condition related to pregnancy, not a psychogenic factor. D: Hyperemesis gravidarum is more severe and persistent than morning sickness, requiring different management strategies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contractions abruptly stop during labor. Uterine rupture is a serious obstetric emergency where the integrity of the uterus is compromised, leading to potential life-threatening complications for both the mother and the fetus. When the uterus ruptures, contractions may abruptly stop due to the loss of muscle tone and coordination. This sudden cessation of contractions is a red flag indicating uterine rupture. Choice B, decreased maternal heart rate, is not typically associated with uterine rupture. Choice C, gradual onset of mild pain during contractions, is more indicative of a normal labor process rather than uterine rupture. Choice D, uterus becomes firm between contractions, is not a specific sign of uterine rupture as it can occur in normal labor as well.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because maternal pain and stress can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, which can negatively affect the fetus. By providing a small amount of analgesia, the patient can experience relief from pain and stress without compromising the well-being of the fetus. Option B is incorrect because it disregards the potential benefits of providing some pain relief to the patient while still respecting her desire for a medication-free birth. Option C is incorrect because while medication may provide some rest and alleviate fatigue, the primary concern in this scenario is the impact on the fetus rather than the patient's comfort. Option D is incorrect because the main focus should be on ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus, rather than solely on the mother's enjoyment of the birth experience.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epidural. The rationale for this is that epidural anesthesia is a regional anesthesia that numbs the lower half of the body while allowing the patient to remain conscious. Therefore, prescribing bed rest for 6-12 hours after receiving an epidural is appropriate to ensure the anesthesia wears off gradually and the patient does not experience any complications while regaining sensation and mobility. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Spinal anesthesia also numbs the lower half of the body, but it typically wears off faster than an epidural, so bed rest may not be necessary for as long. B: Pudendal anesthesia is specific to numbing the perineum area and does not affect mobility in the same way as epidural anesthesia. D: General anesthesia does not target a specific area of the body and does not require bed rest for 6-12 hours postpartum.