A nurse is triaging four clients on the labor and delivery unit.
Which of the following actions should be a priority for nursing care?
Check the blood sugar of a gestational diabetic.
Assess the vaginal blood loss of a client who is recovering from a spontaneous abortion.
Assess the patellar reflexes of a client with pre-eclampsia without severe features.
Check the fetal heart rate of a client whose membranes just ruptured.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Checking blood sugar is important in gestational diabetes but isn't immediate priority in a triage setting compared to assessing urgent conditions that could harm the fetus or mother immediately.
Choice B rationale
Assessing vaginal blood loss post-abortion is crucial, but in the presence of ruptured membranes, fetal heart rate checks take precedence to ensure the fetus's immediate well-being.
Choice C rationale
Assessing patellar reflexes in pre-eclampsia management is significant, but immediate priority in labor and delivery triage goes to ensuring fetal safety after membrane rupture.
Choice D rationale
Checking the fetal heart rate after membrane rupture is a priority because it provides immediate information about the fetus's status and any potential complications like cord prolapse or distress.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Postpartum psychosis poses significant risks to both the mother and her infant. The mother may have impaired judgment, hallucinations, or delusions, making it unsafe for her to be
left alone with her baby.
Choice B rationale
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can persist for several weeks to months without appropriate treatment. Immediate and ongoing intervention is crucial to manage the condition.
Choice C rationale
Clinical response to medications for postpartum psychosis can vary, but with proper treatment, many clients show significant improvement. It is not accurate to state that the
response is usually poor.
Choice D rationale
While monitoring vitals may be part of overall care, it is not the most critical teaching point. Ensuring the mother is never left alone with her infant is essential to prevent potential
harm.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Oral rehydration therapy is not used in place of feedings for infants undergoing phototherapy for elevated bilirubin levels. It's crucial to maintain proper nutrition and hydration through regular feedings.
Choice B rationale
Rotating the baby helps ensure even exposure to the bili lights, which aids in breaking down bilirubin effectively across the baby's body.
Choice C rationale
Applying restraints is inappropriate and unnecessary. It could cause distress and is not a standard practice for phototherapy.
Choice D rationale
Administering intravenous fluids is not typically needed unless there's a risk of dehydration or other medical indications as per the doctor's orders.