A patient 11 weeks' gestation comes to the emergency room department with c/o dizziness, abdominal pain, and shoulder pain. Lab tests reveal a beta-hcg lower than expected level for gestational age
- A. Ultrasound confirms no intrauterine
- B. The nurse knows the most likely diagnostic is an ectopic pregnancy. What statement should the nurse use to explain to the patient?
- C. The baby is in the fallopian tube, the tube has ruptured and is causing bleeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Recognize Symptoms - Dizziness, abdominal pain, shoulder pain, low beta-hcg.
Step 2: Consider Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms align with ectopic pregnancy.
Step 3: Rule Out Miscarriage - Low beta-hcg indicates not viable intrauterine pregnancy (Choice A).
Step 4: Understand Ectopic Pregnancy - Explaining ectopic pregnancy (Choice C) and rupture to patient may cause distress.
Step 5: Communicate - Nurse should use simple, empathetic statement (Choice B) to explain the likely diagnosis.
Summary: Choice B is correct as it addresses the likely diagnosis without causing undue distress to the patient, unlike Choices A and C which may lead to confusion and anxiety.
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A nurse is performing a vaginal exam on a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes the umbilical cord protruding through the cervix. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer oxytocin to the client via intravenous infusion.
- B. Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
- C. Prepare for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter.
- D. Assist the client into the knee-chest position.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assist the client into the knee-chest position. This position helps relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, preventing compression and potential harm to the fetus. By positioning the client in knee-chest, gravity can aid in moving the fetus off the cord. Administering oxytocin (choice A) is not appropriate as the priority is to relieve pressure on the cord. Applying oxygen (choice B) does not address the immediate risk posed by the cord prolapse. Insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter (choice C) is not indicated when the priority is to alleviate cord compression.
What is the most critical sign of fetal distress during labor?
- A. Accelerations in fetal heart rate
- B. Decreased variability in fetal heart rate
- C. Early decelerations in fetal heart rate
- D. Late decelerations in fetal heart rate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Late decelerations in fetal heart rate. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen during contractions. This is critical as it can lead to fetal hypoxia and acidosis, posing a risk to the baby's well-being. Early decelerations (C) are generally benign and result from head compression during contractions. Accelerations (A) are a reassuring sign indicating fetal well-being. Decreased variability (B) can be concerning but is not as critical as late decelerations in indicating fetal distress.
A client in her third trimester complains of Braxton
- A. Report any stools that appear to have milk Hicks contractions. Which of the following interven- curds immediately to the infant's health care tions would help with this type of pain? Select all that provider. apply.
- B. Stools will change from green to yellowish brown
- C. Drink four to six glasses of water per day. to golden yellow over the next several days.
- D. Rest until the contractions subside.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Rest until the contractions subside. During Braxton Hicks contractions, rest can help alleviate the discomfort. It allows the body to relax and reduces the intensity of the contractions. Other options are incorrect because:
A: Reporting stools with milk curds to the infant's healthcare provider is unrelated to Braxton Hicks contractions.
B: Stool color changes are irrelevant to managing Braxton Hicks contractions.
C: Drinking water is important for overall health during pregnancy but does not directly address Braxton Hicks contractions.
The nurse is teaching a client about postpartum care. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- B. It’s normal to have heavy bleeding for 4 weeks.
- C. I will call my doctor if I develop a fever.
- D. I should continue taking my prenatal vitamins.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because heavy bleeding for 4 weeks postpartum is abnormal and could indicate a complication. The client should seek medical attention if experiencing heavy bleeding beyond the normal range. Choices A, C, and D are all correct statements for postpartum care. A - avoiding heavy lifting helps prevent strain on healing tissues, C - fever could indicate infection, and D - continuing prenatal vitamins supports postpartum recovery.
A nurse in the emergency department is admitting a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation, has ruptured membranes, and the nurse observes the newborn's head is crowning. The client tells the nurse she wants to push. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? to
- A. "You should go ahead and push to assist the delivery."
- B. "You should try to pant as the delivery proceeds."
- C. "You should try to perform slow-paced breathing."
- D. "You should take a deep, cleansing breath and breathe naturally."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the newborn's head crowning indicates imminent delivery, and the client's urge to push aligns with the natural progression of labor. By encouraging the client to push, the nurse facilitates the safe and timely delivery of the baby. Panting (choice B) or slow-paced breathing (choice C) may not be effective in this advanced stage of labor. Taking a deep cleansing breath (choice D) can delay the delivery and is not recommended when the baby is crowning.