Amniotomy refers to the artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and may be performed by the health care provider to augment or induce labor. After AROM, there is a risk of umbilical cord prolapse if the fetal head is not applied firmly to the cervix. A prolapsed cord can cause fetal bradycardia due to cord compression.
The nurse should assess the fetal heart rate before and after the procedure (Option 1).
The nurse should note the amniotic fluid color, amount, and odor. Amniotic fluid should be clear/colorless and without a foul odor. Yellowish-green fluid can indicate the fetal passage of meconium in utero, and a strong, foul odor may indicate infection (Option 5). Once the membranes are ruptured, there is an increased risk for infection. The nurse should monitor the client's temperature at least every 2 hours after AROM (Option 2).
(Option 3) As with any vaginal examination, the client may feel some pressure and discomfort during an amniotomy. However, the actual AROM procedure, or "breaking the bag of water," is painless.
(Option 4) Supine positioning decreases uteroplacental blood flow and fetal oxygenation. The client should be assisted to upright positions after AROM to allow for drainage of amniotic fluid and to encourage the fetal head to remain firmly applied to the cervix.
Educational objective:
When assisting with an amniotomy, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate, note the characteristics of the amniotic fluid, and assist the client to an upright position after the procedure.
Amniotomy refers to the artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and may be performed by the health care provider to augment or induce labor. After AROM, there is a risk of umbilical cord prolapse if the fetal head is not applied firmly to the cervix. A prolapsed cord can cause fetal bradycardia due to cord compression.
The nurse should assess the fetal heart rate before and after the procedure (Option 1).
The nurse should note the amniotic fluid color, amount, and odor. Amniotic fluid should be clear/colorless and without a foul odor. Yellowish-green fluid can indicate the fetal passage of meconium in utero, and a strong, foul odor may indicate infection (Option 5). Once the membranes are ruptured, there is an increased risk for infection. The nurse should monitor the client's temperature at least every 2 hours after AROM (Option 2).
(Option 3) As with any vaginal examination, the client may feel some pressure and discomfort during an amniotomy. However, the actual AROM procedure, or "breaking the bag of water," is painless.
(Option 4) Supine positioning decreases uteroplacental blood flow and fetal oxygenation. The client should be assisted to upright positions after AROM to allow for drainage of amniotic fluid and to encourage the fetal head to remain firmly applied to the cervix.
Educational objective:
When assisting with an amniotomy, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate, note the characteristics of the amniotic fluid, and assist the client to an upright position after the procedure.