A nurse is admitting a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and in active labor. The client reports being positive for group B streptococcus (GBS) when screened at 36 weeks of gestation. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to take?
Prepare for a cesarean birth.
Administer IV antibiotic prophylaxis.
Obtain a vaginal culture.
Administer metronidazole orally.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Cesarean birth is not necessarily required for GBS-positive clients as long as IV antibiotic prophylaxis is administered during labor to prevent transmission to the newborn.
Choice B rationale
IV antibiotic prophylaxis, typically with penicillin or ampicillin, is given to GBS-positive clients during labor to prevent neonatal GBS infection.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a vaginal culture at 39 weeks of gestation is not necessary if the client was already screened and found positive for GBS at 36 weeks.
Choice D rationale
Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, not GBS infection; thus, it is not appropriate for this scenario. .
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
During labor, the body experiences physiological stress, which typically causes an increase, not a decrease, in white blood cell (WBC) count. This increase is a normal response to stress.
Choice B rationale
Blood glucose levels can decrease during labor due to the energy expenditure and physiological demands of the process. This is why it is important to monitor glucose levels and provide necessary interventions if hypoglycemia occurs.
Choice C rationale
The respiratory rate generally increases during labor to meet the increased oxygen demands of the body. A decrease in respiratory rate is not expected during this time.
Choice D rationale
Body temperature may increase slightly during labor due to the physical exertion and metabolic activity involved. A decrease in temperature is not a typical finding during labor.
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.