A nurse is preparing to administer an opioid analgesic to a client who is in active labor.
Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform? (Select all that apply.)
Blood pressure.
Fetal heart rate.
Deep tendon reflexes.
Blood glucose.
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A rationale
Blood pressure should be assessed as opioid analgesics can cause hypotension, which can be detrimental to both mother and fetus during labor.
Choice B rationale
Fetal heart rate monitoring is essential as opioids can cross the placenta and potentially cause fetal bradycardia or distress, thus necessitating close monitoring.
Choice C rationale
Deep tendon reflexes are not commonly affected by opioid analgesics and therefore are not a primary assessment when administering these medications during labor.
Choice D rationale
Blood glucose levels are not typically influenced by opioid analgesics in the context of labor, so this is not a relevant assessment for this scenario.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 34/min is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This does not indicate immediate distress.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in newborns and usually resolves within the first few days of life. It is not a sign of critical illness.
Choice C rationale
Caput succedaneum, a swelling of the soft tissues of the newborn's scalp, is a common and benign condition that resolves on its own within a few days. It does not require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
An axillary temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is considered low and may indicate hypothermia in a newborn. Hypothermia can lead to serious complications, so this newborn requires immediate assessment and intervention to stabilize their body temperature.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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Preterm Labor Risk: At 32 weeks of gestation, regular contractions every 5 minutes could indicate the onset of preterm labor. This is concerning because preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, which poses significant risks to the baby's health and development.
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Frequency and Intensity: These contractions are occurring frequently (every 5 minutes) and are described as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. This frequency and the strength of the contractions are unusual for Braxton Hicks, which are typically irregular and less intense.
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Effacement and Cervical Changes: Although the cervix is closed, it is 80% effaced. Effacement means the cervix is thinning, which, in combination with regular contractions, may indicate that the body is preparing for labor.
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Urinary Leakage: The client also reported urinary leakage earlier in the day, which could be a sign of ruptured membranes (water breaking). This, combined with regular contractions, increases the need for careful monitoring.