When planning intrapartum care for a client with heart disease, the nurse should include:
A) taking vital signs according to standard protocols.
B) continuously monitoring cardiac rhythm with telemetry.
C) massaging the uterus to hasten birth of the placenta.
D) maintaining the infusion of intravenous fluids to avoid dehydration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A client with heart disease should have a cardiac monitor and possibly an arterial line for continuous blood pressure monitoring, as well as hemodynamic monitoring. Vital signs may need to be taken more frequently because of the extra workload on the heart. The uterus should not be massaged to hasten the birth of the placenta because this could cause undue overload on the heart. Circulatory overload can occur, so IV fluids may not be used or may be used minimally.

When Planning Intrapartum Care for a Client with Heart Disease