North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

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What should be checked immediately if a nuchal cord is suspected?

Mother's vital signs
Fetal heart rate
Positioning of the cord
Fluid status

The correct answer is: Positioning of the cord

In the case of suspected nuchal cord, which refers to the umbilical cord being wrapped around the fetus's neck, the immediate focus should be on the positioning of the cord. This is crucial because a nuchal cord can potentially lead to complications such as cord compression, which can affect fetal oxygenation. Checking the position allows for appropriate interventions to be made to relieve any pressure and to monitor the status of the fetus. In addition, while maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate are important assessments in obstetric care, they are secondary to understanding the mechanics of the nuchal cord itself during the immediate evaluation. Fluid status, while also important in the broader context of maternal and fetal health, does not specifically address the urgent concerns related to the presence of a nuchal cord and its potential effects on fetal well-being. Therefore, assessing the positioning of the cord is the most critical action to take immediately when nuchal cord is suspected.