Prolapsed umbilical cord, which actions are included in the protocol?

Prolapsed umbilical cord, which actions are included in the protocol?

• A. Place mother in knee-to-chest position and manually displace the uterus to the left
• B. Insert a gloved hand into the vagina, pushing the newborn up and away from the umbilical cord
• C. Maintain this position during transport
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Relieving cord compression to preserve fetal oxygenation is the priority in a prolapsed umbilical cord. Moving the mother into a knee-chest (or similar) position uses gravity to shift the uterus and presenting part away from the cord, reducing pressure on the cord itself. In addition, inserting a gloved hand into the vagina to push the presenting part up and away from the cord directly decompresses the cord where it is being compressed. Maintaining this position during transport ensures continuous relief until delivery, since cord compression can recur with movement or changes in position. Taken together, these steps form the full protocol for this emergency, so all of them are included.

Relieving cord compression to preserve fetal oxygenation is the priority in a prolapsed umbilical cord. Moving the mother into a knee-chest (or similar) position uses gravity to shift the uterus and presenting part away from the cord, reducing pressure on the cord itself. In addition, inserting a gloved hand into the vagina to push the presenting part up and away from the cord directly decompresses the cord where it is being compressed. Maintaining this position during transport ensures continuous relief until delivery, since cord compression can recur with movement or changes in position. Taken together, these steps form the full protocol for this emergency, so all of them are included.