Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 wks gestation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to applying an external transducer for fetal monitoring?

a. Administer a tocolytic medication.
b. Shave the client's abdomen.
c. Instruct the client to empty her bladder.
d. Apply a warming pad to the client's abdomen.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to empty her bladder prior to applying an external transducer for fetal monitoring to ensure accurate readings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to applying an external transducer for fetal monitoring, the nurse should instruct the client to empty her bladder. A full bladder can interfere with the accuracy of the fetal monitoring readings. By emptying the bladder, the transducer can be applied directly to the abdomen, ensuring a clear and accurate recording of the fetal heart rate and contractions.