What is the priority nursing action when a nurse suspects a cord prolapse during labor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: place the person in the knee-chest position. This is the priority nursing action because it helps relieve pressure on the cord and prevents further prolapse. Placing the person in the knee-chest position also promotes optimal fetal oxygenation. Administering oxygen via mask (choice B) is important but not the priority. Applying pressure to the cord (choice C) should never be done as it can further compromise blood flow to the fetus. Administering an epidural (choice D) is not the priority in this emergency situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary benefit of delayed cord clamping in a term newborn is improved thermoregulation. When the cord is clamped later, it allows more blood to flow from the placenta to the baby, aiding in temperature stabilization. This helps prevent hypothermia, a common issue in newborns. Increased hemoglobin levels (choice A) are not the primary benefit of delayed cord clamping. Decreased risk of bleeding (choice C) is not directly related to delayed cord clamping. Increased risk of infection (choice D) is incorrect as delayed cord clamping does not increase the risk of infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: perform gentle uterine massage. This intervention is appropriate as it helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can reduce postpartum bleeding and pain. Uterine massage also helps to promote involution of the uterus, aiding in the recovery process. Administering IV fluids (A) may be necessary but does not directly address pain management. Administering narcotics (B) may provide pain relief but should be used judiciously due to potential side effects. Performing gentle fundal massage (D) is not recommended as it may cause discomfort and is not as effective in managing post-cesarean pain compared to uterine massage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: administer a preoperative medication. This is the most important action because it helps prepare the laboring person for the cesarean birth by ensuring they are adequately medicated for the procedure. Administering preoperative medication can help reduce anxiety, manage pain, and ensure the person is in a suitable condition for surgery. Summary of other choices: B: Assisting with positioning the person is important but not the most critical action before a cesarean birth. C: Performing a cesarean section is not a nursing responsibility and is done by the healthcare provider. D: Monitoring fetal heart tones is important but not the most crucial action for preparing the laboring person for a cesarean birth.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of using forceps in delivery is to help expel the placenta. Forceps are not typically used to assist with fetal descent, provide immediate relief of shoulder dystocia, or avoid unnecessary surgical interventions. Forceps are specifically designed to aid in the safe and efficient removal of the placenta after the baby has been delivered. This minimizes the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and other complications.