🚨 Umbilical Cord Prolapse: NCLEX Signs, Risks, and Priority Actions
Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare but serious delivery complication where the cord slips out before the baby.
This causes cord compression, cutting off oxygen and leading to fetal bradycardia.
NCLEX tests whether you can act fast and correctly in this high-pressure scenario.
This blog includes a KOTC clinical visual, symptom chart, and step-by-step nursing protocol.
📊 NCLEX Chart: Cord Prolapse Fast Facts
| Definition | Cord slips through cervix into vagina ahead of presenting fetal part |
|---|---|
| NCLEX Clue | Sudden variable or prolonged fetal heart decelerations |
| Risk Factors | Polyhydramnios, preterm rupture, multiple gestation, high fetal station |
| Priority Action | Manually elevate fetal head off the cord with sterile gloved hand |
| Next Step | Call for help → prepare for emergency C-section |
| Positioning | Knee-chest or Trendelenburg to relieve pressure on the cord |
| Monitoring | Continuous fetal heart monitoring and maternal vitals |
🧠 NCLEX Tip: Know the 1st Action
If you feel the cord or see decelerations, your first action = lift fetal head off the cord manually.
🩺 Nursing Interventions
Use sterile gloved hand to manually elevate the fetal part
Place patient in Trendelenburg or knee-chest position
Administer O₂ at 8–10 L/min by face mask
Call provider immediately for emergency C-section
Monitor FHR continuously
Document all interventions and FHR patterns
💡 Mnemonic: “C.O.R.D”
C – Call for help
O – O₂ on mom
R – Relieve pressure manually
D – Delivery via C-section
📲 Study OB Emergencies with King of the Curve
👶 Real-world labor scenarios
🧪 OB simulation quizzes
📊 Visual breakdowns of emergencies
Get started at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience
🏁 Final Thoughts
Umbilical cord prolapse is about acting fast, knowing your priorities, and protecting the fetus from hypoxia.
Master it now so you’re calm and ready when it appears on the NCLEX.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.
-
Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
-
Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.
-
Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.
-
KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.
