Maternal-Newborn chapter 14 test bank

A patient at 41 weeks' gestation is undergoing an induction of labor with an IV administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). The fetal heart rate starts to demonstrate a recurrent pattern of late decelerations with moderate variability. What is the nurse's priority action? A: stop the infusion of Pitocin B: reposition the patient from her right to her left side C: perform a vaginal exam to assess for a prolapsed cord D: prepare the patient for an emergency cesarean section - A: stop the infusion of Pitocin There are multiple reasons for late decelerations. Address the probable cause first, such as uterine hyperstimulation with Pitocin, to alleviate the outcome of late decelerations. Repositioning can increase oxygenation to the fetus but does not address the cause of the problem. Variable decelerations are more often seen with a prolapsed cord. In the presence of moderate variability, the fetus continues to have adequate oxygen reserves. If a Category II (indeterminate) or III (abnormal) tracing is interpreted, a prompt approach to assessing oxygenation should be completed. Decelerations that mirror the contractions are present with each contraction on the monitor strip of a multipara who received epidural anesthesia 20 minutes ago. The nurse should: A: maintain the normal assessment routine B: administer O2 at 8 to 10 L/min by face mask C: increase the IV flow rate from 125 to 150 mL/hr D: assess the maternal blood pressure for a systolic pressure below 100 mm Hg - A: maintain the normal assessment routine Decelerations that mirror the contraction are early decelerations caused by fetal head compression. Early decelerations are not associated with fetal compromise and require no intervention. Administering O2, increasing the IV flow rate, and assessing for hypotension are not necessary within early decelerations. If the position of a fetus in a cephalic presentation is right occiput anterior, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate in which quadrant of the maternal abdomen? A: right upper B: left upper C: right lower D: left lower - C: right lower