What approach would be best for the nurse to use when assessing for ruptured membranes in a laboring client?
a. Test the vaginal fluid with nitrazine paper.
b. Perform a vaginal exam during a contraction.
c. Obtain a slide sample of vaginal fluid and note absence of ferning.
d. Test the vaginal fluid with Dextrostix.
A
Nitrazine paper turns dark blue (pH 6.5) on contact with the alkaline amniotic fluid. Although vaginal exam can be used, it usually is used in conjunction with the fern test when the nitrazine test is not definitive. A slide sample of vagina fluid is used in the presence of a nitrazine test that is not definitive. Testing the vaginal fluid with Dextrostix is not an appropriate test to perform in this situation.
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