A patient in labor has reached 8 cm dilation, but the fetal heart rate suddenly slows. Perineal inspection reveals a prolapsed fetal cord. What should the nurse do first?
A) Turn the patient onto the left side.
B) Replace the cord with gentle pressure.
C) Place the patient in a knee–chest position.
D) Cover the exposed cord with a dry, sterile wrap.
C
Feedback:
Prolapsed cord is always an emergency situation because the pressure of the fetal head against the cord at the pelvic brim leads to cord compression and decreased oxygenation to the fetus. Pressure on the cord must be relieved, which is done by placing the patient in a knee–chest or Trendelenburg position to cause the fetal head to fall back from the cord. Turning the patient onto the left side will not relieve pressure on the fetal cord. Any amount of prolapsed cord should not be reinserted into the patient. Exposed cord should be covered with sterile saline compresses to prevent drying.
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