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The nurse’s laboring client is being electronically monitored during her labor. The baseline FHR throughout the labor has been in the 130s. In the last 2 hours, the baseline has decreased to the 100s. How should the nurse document this FHR?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Late deceleration
- D. Within normal limits
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An FHR baseline less than 110 is classified as bradycardia. Tachycardia occurs when the baseline is greater than 160 bpm. A prolonged deceleration is defined as a change from the baseline FHR that occurs for 2 to 10 minutes before returning to baseline. A late deceleration is a gradual decrease and return of the FHR to baseline, associated with a uterine contraction. A decrease to the 100s is not within the normal range. The normal FHR is 120 to 160 bpm.
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On the basis of this finding, the nurse can assume that the client is at least how many months' pregnant?
- A. 5 months
- B. 6 months
- C. 7 months
- D. 8 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ballottement, the rebound of the fetus when the cervix is tapped, is typically detectable around 4-5 months, indicating at least 5 months' gestation.
The 22-year-old client tells the clinic nurse that her last menstrual period was 3 months ago, which began on November 21. She has a positive urine pregnancy test. Using Naegele’s rule, which date should the nurse calculate to be the client’s estimated date of confinement (EDC)?
- A. August 28
- B. January 28
- C. August 15
- D. January 15
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele’s rule is a common method to determine the EDC. To calculate the EDC, subtract 3 months and add 7 days. This makes the EDC August 28. An EDC of January 28 was calculated by adding 2 months and 7 days. An EDC of August 15 was calculated by subtracting 3 months and 6 days. An EDC of January 15 was calculated by adding 2 months and subtracting 6 days.
The nurse is conducting a physical assessment of the pregnant client. Which physiological cervical changes associated with pregnancy should the nurse expect to find? Select all that apply.
- A. Formation of mucus plug
- B. Chadwick’s sign
- C. Presence of colostrum
- D. Goodell’s sign
- E. Cullen’s sign
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include the formation of the mucus plug. Endocervical glands secrete a thick, tenacious mucus, which accumulates and thickens to form the mucus plug that seals the endocervical canal and prevents the ascent of bacteria or other substances into the uterus. This plug is expelled when cervical dilatation begins. Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include a bluish-purple discoloration of the cervix (Chadwick’s sign) from increased vascularization. Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include the softening of the cervix (Goodell’s sign) from increased vascularization and hypertrophy and engorgement of the vessels below the growing uterus. Colostrum does occur with pregnancy but is a physiological change associated with the breasts and not with a cervical change. Cullen’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the periumbilical skin caused by intraperitoneal hemorrhage. It can occur with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or acute pancreatitis.
The client, who had preeclampsia and delivered vaginally 4 hours ago, is still receiving magnesium sulfate IV. When assessing the client’s deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), the nurse finds that they are both weak, at 1+, whereas previously they were 2+ and 3+. Which actions should the nurse plan? Select all that apply.
- A. Notify the client’s HCP about the reduced DTRs.
- B. Prepare to increase the magnesium sulfate dose.
- C. Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV.
- D. Assess the level of consciousness and vital signs.
- E. Ask the HCP about drawing a serum calcium level.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: The HCP should be notified about the decreased DTRs because weakening of these may indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. Increasing the magnesium sulfate dose would worsen the situation and could lead to a depressed respiratory rate. Any time the client is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion, the nurse should be prepared for the possibility of needing the antidote, calcium gluconate. The nurse should assess the client’s vital signs and level of consciousness, as decreased level of consciousness and respiratory effort are serious side effects of magnesium sulfate. The nurse should ask the HCP about drawing a serum magnesium level (not a serum calcium level) to determine whether the client is experiencing magnesium toxicity.
Which advice can the nurse give to relieve the client's backache? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid clothing that fits tightly around the waist.
- B. Sleep on a heating pad.
- C. Take a nonopioid pain reliever regularly.
- D. Wear low-heeled shoes.
- E. Carry objects close to your body.
- F. Squat when picking objects off the floor.
Correct Answer: A,D,E,F
Rationale: Tight clothing, high heels, and improper lifting exacerbate backaches; low-heeled shoes, proper lifting, and loose clothing help relieve strain.