A laboring client asks the nurse, Why does the physician want to ...

[tsand2]

A laboring client asks the nurse, Why does the physician want to use an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) during my labor? The nurse would accurately explain that the best rationale for using an IUPC is which of the following?
 
  1. The IUPC can be used throughout the birth process.
  2. A tocodynamometer is invasive.
  3. The IUPC provides more accurate data than does the tocodynamometer.
  4. The tocodynamometer can be used only after the cervix is dilated 2 cm.

Question 2

The nurse is working with a mother who has just delivered her third child, at 33 weeks' gestation. The mother says to the nurse, This baby doesn't turn his head and suck like the older two children did. Why? The best response by the nurse is:
 
  1. Every baby is different. This is just one variation of normal that we see on a regular basis.
  2. This baby might not have a rooting or sucking reflex, because she is premature.
  3. When she is wide awake and alert, she will probably root and suck even if she is early.
  4. She might be too tired from the birthing process and need a couple days to recover.

[janeli1]

Answer to Question 1

3
Explanation: 3. The IUPC has several benefits over an external tocotransducer or palpation. Because the IUPC is inserted directly into the uterus, it provides near-exact pressure measurements for contraction intensity and uterine resting tone. The increased sensitivity of the IUPC allows for very accurate timing of uterine contractions (UCs).

Answer to Question 2

2
Rationale 1: Although each baby is unique and different from siblings, this response is not accurate.
Rationale 2: Preterm babies often have poor or absent root and suck reflexes. They also might not have a swallow reflex, and might require tube feedings temporarily.
Rationale 3: This statement is true of term infants, but this infant is preterm.
Rationale 4: Although birth is stressful to newborns, and some require a day or two of recovery to become fully alert, this infant is preterm.