A nurse is providing care to a woman who is at 36 weeks of gestation and in preterm labor with ruptured membranes.
The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 39.0 C (102.2 F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?
Administer prescribed antipyretics for maternal fever.
Prepare the client for emergency cesarean section.
Administer glucocorticoids intramuscularly.
Recheck the client's temperature in 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering antipyretics for maternal fever is essential as elevated maternal temperatures can increase the risk of fetal tachycardia and potentially lead to fetal distress. Reducing
fever promptly is a priority to stabilize both maternal and fetal conditions.
Choice B rationale
Preparing for an emergency cesarean section is not the immediate step for maternal fever; instead, managing the fever and assessing the need for further interventions based on the
overall clinical picture should be prioritized.
Choice C rationale
Administering glucocorticoids is indicated for promoting fetal lung maturity in preterm labor, not specifically for maternal fever management. Fever management requires antipyretics
and hydration.
Choice D rationale
Waiting 4 hours to recheck temperature delays prompt management, increasing risks for both the mother and fetus. Immediate action to reduce fever is crucial to prevent potential
complications.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Accidental lacerations are possible during a cesarean delivery, but they are typically managed quickly and are not the most critical issue immediately after birth.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory distress is the priority assessment for a newborn following a cesarean delivery because cesarean births can increase the risk of transient tachypnea or other respiratory complications due to the lack of labor-induced respiratory adaptation.
Choice C rationale
Hypothermia is a concern for all newborns, but respiratory distress takes precedence in the immediate post-delivery period, especially following cesarean delivery.
Choice D rationale
Acrocyanosis is a common and typically benign condition in newborns, not requiring immediate intervention compared to respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Breast tenderness is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it can result from hormonal changes, but it is not definitive enough to confirm pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Fetal heart tones detected by ultrasound are a positive sign of pregnancy. However, it is not a probable sign as it is definitive evidence of an existing pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Fetal movement, often felt later in pregnancy, is a positive sign. It indicates an existing pregnancy but is not used to initially diagnose pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
A positive urine pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy. It detects the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced during pregnancy, and is a widely used indicator of probable pregnancy. .