A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and who asks about the signs that precede the onset of labor. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a sign that precedes labor?
- A. Decreased vaginal discharge
- B. A surge of energy
- C. Urinary retention
- D. Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A surge of energy. This is because an increase in energy is often seen in pregnant women shortly before labor begins, known as the "nesting instinct." This burst of energy can indicate that the body is preparing for labor.
A: Decreased vaginal discharge is not a sign that precedes labor. In fact, an increase in vaginal discharge is more common as labor approaches.
C: Urinary retention is not a sign of labor onset. In late pregnancy, pressure on the bladder may cause frequent urination, but retention is not typical.
D: Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg is not a specific sign of labor onset. Weight gain can fluctuate throughout pregnancy and is not a reliable indicator of impending labor.
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A 28-year-old primigravida admitted to antepartum unit with a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Nursing care is based on which of the following?
- A. Assess for dehydration and starvation
- B. Isolated from family
- C. This condition is caused by psychogenic factor
- D. Similar to morning sickness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Assessing for dehydration and starvation is crucial in managing hyperemesis gravidarum, as it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus. Dehydration can result from persistent vomiting and may require intravenous fluids. Starvation can occur due to poor nutrient intake. Monitoring these factors helps in providing appropriate treatment and preventing further health issues.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Isolating the patient from family is not necessary and can have negative psychological impacts. Support from family is crucial in managing hyperemesis gravidarum.
C: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a physical condition related to pregnancy, not a psychogenic factor.
D: Hyperemesis gravidarum is more severe and persistent than morning sickness, requiring different management strategies.
Why was the Bradley Method originally introduced?
- A. as a novel approach to pregnancy where low-intervention, medication-free births were the goal
- B. as an education program that supported use of twilight birth
- C. as a system of supporting families wanting community birth
- D. as a program of education that focused on the importance of using a doula instead of a partner as a birth support
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: as a novel approach to pregnancy where low-intervention, medication-free births were the goal. The Bradley Method was introduced in the late 1940s by Dr. Robert Bradley with the aim of empowering women to have natural childbirth experiences without unnecessary medical interventions. This method promotes education and preparation for childbirth, emphasizing relaxation techniques, partner involvement, and natural pain management strategies. The other choices, B, C, and D, are incorrect because they do not align with the fundamental principles of the Bradley Method, which focuses on promoting low-intervention, medication-free births through education and empowerment of expectant parents.
The nurse is caring for a client in the third trimester reporting severe right upper quadrant pain and nausea. What condition should the nurse suspect?
- A. Placenta previa.
- B. HELLP syndrome.
- C. Hyperemesis gravidarum.
- D. Abruptio placentae.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: HELLP syndrome. In the third trimester, severe right upper quadrant pain and nausea can indicate HELLP syndrome, a serious pregnancy complication involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. The pain and nausea are due to liver and gallbladder involvement. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding, not upper quadrant pain. Hyperemesis gravidarum causes severe nausea and vomiting but not specific upper quadrant pain. Abruptio placentae presents with sudden-onset abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
The nurse is caring for a client with suspected preterm labor. Which medication is most likely to be prescribed?
- A. Magnesium sulfate.
- B. Methyldopa.
- C. Rho(D) immune globulin.
- D. Oxytocin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Magnesium sulfate. This medication is commonly prescribed for preterm labor to relax the uterine muscles and prevent contractions. It helps delay labor and reduce the risk of preterm birth. Methyldopa (B) is used for managing hypertension, not preterm labor. Rho(D) immune globulin (C) is given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent hemolytic disease in newborns. Oxytocin (D) is used to induce or augment labor, not for suspected preterm labor. Therefore, A is the most appropriate choice for managing preterm labor.
A nurse is planning care for a full-term newborn who is receiving phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Dress the newborn in lightweight clothing.
- B. Avoid using lotion or ointment on the newborn skin.
- C. Keep the newborn supine throughout treatment
- D. Measure the newborn's temperature every 8hr
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid using lotion or ointment on the newborn skin. Phototherapy is used to treat jaundice by exposing the baby's skin to light. Lotions or ointments can interfere with the effectiveness of the light therapy. Dressing the newborn in lightweight clothing (choice A) is not directly related to the effectiveness of phototherapy. Keeping the newborn supine throughout treatment (choice C) is a general position recommendation and not specific to phototherapy. Measuring the newborn's temperature every 8 hours (choice D) is important but not directly related to phototherapy.