ATI RN
Comfort Measures During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
What position may encourage the fetus to find the occiput anterior position?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hands and knees position may encourage the fetus to find the occiput anterior position for several reasons. Firstly, when a pregnant person is on their hands and knees, gravity helps the baby move into the optimal position for birth, which is head down with the back of the head (occiput) facing towards the front (anterior). This position allows for the baby's head to put pressure on the cervix, aiding in cervical dilation and descent of the baby through the birth canal. Secondly, being on hands and knees can help to alleviate back pain and discomfort during labor by taking pressure off the spine and pelvis. This can help the pregnant person to relax and focus on the birthing process, which can also help the baby move into the correct position. In contrast, squatting may not necessarily encourage the occiput anterior position as effectively as hands and knees. While squatting can help open up the pelvis, it may not provide the same level of support and alignment for the baby to rotate into the optimal position. Using a shower may provide some comfort and relaxation during labor, but it may not have the same effect on encouraging the baby to move into the occiput anterior position as hands and knees. The water may help with pain relief and relaxation, but it may not specifically aid in fetal positioning. Lastly, the semi-Fowler position, where the person is lying on their back with the head of the bed raised, is not conducive to encouraging the baby to move into the occiput anterior position. This position can compress the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the baby and potentially causing fetal distress. It can also make it more difficult for the baby to rotate into the optimal position for birth. Overall, the hands and knees position is the most effective choice for encouraging the fetus to find the occiput anterior position due to its ability to utilize gravity, provide support for the baby's rotation, and alleviate discomfort for the pregnant person.
Question 2 of 5
What would the nurse administer if the newborn has decreased or no respiratory effort?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If a newborn has decreased or no respiratory effort, the nurse would administer naloxone (Narcan) as the correct answer. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that can reverse the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression. In newborns, respiratory depression may occur if the mother has received opioids during labor, leading to decreased or no respiratory effort in the newborn. Administering naloxone can quickly reverse the effects of opioids and restore normal respiratory function in the newborn. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is incorrect because it is a pain reliever and fever reducer, not a medication used to treat respiratory depression. Administering acetaminophen would not address the underlying cause of the newborn's respiratory distress. Oxygen is also incorrect because while oxygen may be necessary to support the newborn's respiratory function, it does not address the cause of the decreased or no respiratory effort. In this case, the underlying cause is likely opioid-induced respiratory depression, which would require naloxone for reversal. Sodium bicarbonate is incorrect because it is a medication used to treat acid-base imbalances, such as metabolic acidosis. It would not be appropriate to administer sodium bicarbonate for a newborn with decreased or no respiratory effort, as the primary concern in this situation is addressing the respiratory depression caused by opioids, not acid-base imbalances.
Question 3 of 5
What is the expected effect of pudendal anesthesia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pudendal anesthesia is a type of regional anesthesia that involves blocking the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the perineum. Therefore, the expected effect of pudendal anesthesia is indeed a loss of sensation in the perineum (choice A). This means that the patient will not feel pain or touch in the perineal area during procedures such as childbirth or certain surgeries. Choice B, decreased ability to move one's legs, is incorrect because pudendal anesthesia specifically affects sensation, not motor function. The pudendal nerve does not control movement of the legs, so this would not be an expected effect of pudendal anesthesia. Choice C, permanent loss of motor function, is also incorrect. Pudendal anesthesia is temporary and reversible. It does not cause permanent loss of motor function. The motor nerves that control movement are separate from the sensory nerves that control sensation, so motor function should not be affected by pudendal anesthesia. Choice D, loss of consciousness, is incorrect because pudendal anesthesia is a local anesthesia that only affects a specific area of the body (the perineum). It does not cause loss of consciousness as general anesthesia would. Patients remain awake and alert during procedures involving pudendal anesthesia. In conclusion, the correct answer is A because pudendal anesthesia specifically results in a loss of sensation in the perineum, while choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the expected effects of pudendal anesthesia.
Question 4 of 5
What is the disadvantage of local anesthesia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Local anesthesia is used to numb a specific part of the body for medical procedures. The main disadvantage of local anesthesia is pain during the injection process. This is because the injection itself can be uncomfortable or even painful for some individuals. However, this pain is temporary and typically subsides quickly once the area is numb. Choice A, decreased motor function, is not a disadvantage of local anesthesia. Local anesthesia specifically targets sensory nerves, not motor nerves, so it does not affect muscle function or movement. Choice B, nausea, is also not a common side effect of local anesthesia. Nausea is more commonly associated with general anesthesia, which affects the entire body and can lead to a variety of side effects, including nausea and vomiting. Choice C, hypotension (low blood pressure), is not typically a disadvantage of local anesthesia either. Local anesthesia is localized to a specific area and does not have a significant impact on blood pressure. Hypotension is more commonly associated with general anesthesia, which can affect the cardiovascular system more broadly. In conclusion, the main disadvantage of local anesthesia is the potential for pain during the injection process. This discomfort is temporary and localized to the injection site, making it a minor drawback compared to the benefits of pain relief during medical procedures.
Question 5 of 5
What is the nurse's priority action after rupture of membranes?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option A, administering an epidural for pain relief, is not the nurse's priority action after rupture of membranes. While pain relief may be necessary for the mother during labor, it is not the most urgent concern after the rupture of membranes. The priority should be focused on assessing the situation and ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. Option B, starting an IV line and administering antibiotics, is also not the nurse's priority action. While antibiotics may be necessary if there is an infection present or if indicated by the healthcare provider, it is not the immediate priority after rupture of membranes. The focus should be on assessing the situation and monitoring for signs of infection or complications. Option D, preparing for immediate delivery, is not the nurse's priority action after rupture of membranes. While preparing for delivery may become necessary depending on the situation, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first assess the situation, monitor the mother and baby, and gather important information before making decisions about delivery. The correct answer is option C, documenting the FHR and time and characteristics of the amniotic fluid. After rupture of membranes, the nurse's priority action is to assess the situation and gather important information to monitor the mother and baby. Documenting the FHR helps to monitor the baby's well-being, while documenting the time and characteristics of the amniotic fluid can provide important information about the health of the baby and potential risks of infection. This information is crucial for guiding further care and interventions.