Maternity Nursing: Intrapartum Q 18
A client is admitted to the birthing suite in early active labor. The priority nursing intervention on the admission of this client would be:
A. Auscultating the fetal heart
B. Taking an obstetric history
C. Asking the client when she last ate
D. Ascertaining whether the membranes were ruptured
Correct Answer: A. Auscultating the fetal heart.
Determining the fetal well-being supersedes all other measures. If the FHR is absent or persistently decelerating, immediate intervention is required. During labor, cardiotocographic monitoring is often employed to monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate over time. Clinicians monitor fetal heart tracings to evaluate for any signs of fetal distress that would warrant intervention as well as the adequacy or inadequacy of contractions.
Option B: When women first present to the labor and delivery unit, vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, should be obtained and reviewed for any abnormalities. The patient should be placed on continuous cardiotocographic monitoring to ensure fetal wellbeing. The patient’s prenatal record, including obstetric history, surgical history, medical history, laboratory, and imaging data, should undergo review. Finally, a history of present illness, review of systems, and physical exam, including a sterile speculum exam, will need to take place.
Option C: Labor is a natural process, but it can suffer interruption by complicating factors, which at times necessitate clinical intervention. The management of low-risk labor is a delicate balance between allowing the natural process to proceed while limiting any potential complications.
Option D: Cervical exams are usually performed every 2 to 3 hours unless concerns arise and warrant more frequent exams. Frequent cervical exams are associated with a higher risk of infection, especially if a rupture of membranes has occurred. Women should be allowed to ambulate freely and change positions if desired.