During childbirth, the patient presents with a prolapsed umbilical cord. All of the following should be considered EXCEPT:

During childbirth, the patient presents with a prolapsed umbilical cord. All of the following should be considered EXCEPT:

• A. Place the mother in knee-chest position.
• B. Elevate the presenting part with a sterile gloved hand.
• C. Cover the cord with sterile gauze.
• D. Carefully insert the cord back into the uterus.

Answer: (D)

When a prolapsed umbilical cord occurs, the priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and maintain fetal perfusion until delivery. Positioning the mother in knee-chest or another posture that uses gravity to shift the presenting part away from the cord helps reduce compression. Elevating the presenting part with a sterile gloved hand directly relieves pressure on the cord, improving blood flow to the fetus. Keeping the exposed cord moist by covering it with sterile gauze prevents drying and preserves cord integrity, which supports ongoing perfusion. Do not insert or push the cord back into the uterus. Replacing the cord can worsen compression and jeopardize fetal oxygenation, making delivery more dangerous. After these measures, proceed with rapid transport to a facility capable of advanced obstetric care, with ongoing monitoring of both mother and fetus as available.

When a prolapsed umbilical cord occurs, the priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and maintain fetal perfusion until delivery. Positioning the mother in knee-chest or another posture that uses gravity to shift the presenting part away from the cord helps reduce compression. Elevating the presenting part with a sterile gloved hand directly relieves pressure on the cord, improving blood flow to the fetus. Keeping the exposed cord moist by covering it with sterile gauze prevents drying and preserves cord integrity, which supports ongoing perfusion.

Do not insert or push the cord back into the uterus. Replacing the cord can worsen compression and jeopardize fetal oxygenation, making delivery more dangerous. After these measures, proceed with rapid transport to a facility capable of advanced obstetric care, with ongoing monitoring of both mother and fetus as available.