NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is one of the maternal responses to a prolapsed cord situation?

1. Instructing the mother to take deep breaths

2. Providing the mother with pain relief medication

3. Covering the cord with a moist sterile dressing

4. Monitoring the mother’s vitals closely before transport

The correct answer is: Covering the cord with a moist sterile dressing

In a prolapsed cord situation, it is crucial to manage the exposed cord appropriately to minimize the risk of cord compression and ischemia to the fetus. Covering the cord with a moist sterile dressing helps maintain its moisture and temperature, which is essential for preventing damage and promoting blood flow through the umbilical cord. Keeping the cord covered protects it from drying out and reduces the possibility of infection, which are significant concerns in this scenario. While other actions, such as monitoring the mother’s vitals, providing pain relief, or instructing the mother to breathe deeply, are important in various obstetric emergencies, they do not directly address the immediate life-threatening concern associated with a prolapsed cord. Therefore, ensuring the cord remains moist and sterile is prioritized to protect the fetus effectively until delivery can occur.