When caring for a woman with a complete placenta previa, which finding should the nurse report to the physician?
- A. BP of 95/60
- B. Temperature of 100.1°F
- C. Urine output of 40 mL/hour
- D. O2 saturation less that 95%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: O2 saturation less than 95%. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding. Decreased oxygen saturation can indicate poor perfusion due to bleeding, necessitating immediate medical attention. A: BP of 95/60 is relatively normal and not an urgent concern in this scenario. B: Temperature of 100.1°F may indicate an infection but is not directly related to placenta previa. C: Urine output of 40 mL/hour is within the normal range and does not directly impact the management of placenta previa.
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The patient with which vaginal exam is most at risk for an umbilical cord prolapse?
- A. 1-2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, -1 station
- B. 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, -3 station
- C. 7-8 cm dilated, 80% effaced, -2 station
- D. 9 cm dilated, 100% effaced, 0 station
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a patient who is 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and at -3 station is most at risk for umbilical cord prolapse. At this stage, the presenting part of the baby is relatively high in the pelvis, increasing the likelihood of the cord slipping past and becoming compressed against the cervix during contractions. This can lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby, posing a serious risk. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to result in cord prolapse due to the lower station of the baby in the pelvis, reducing the chance of cord compression.
A patient in labor presents with a breech presentation. The nurse understands that a breech presentation is associated with
- A. more rapid labor.
- B. a high risk of infection.
- C. maternal perineal traum
- D. umbilical cord compression.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: umbilical cord compression. In a breech presentation, the baby's bottom or feet are positioned to come out first, which can lead to potential umbilical cord compression during labor. This compression can compromise fetal oxygenation and circulation, posing a serious risk to the baby's well-being. The other choices are incorrect because a breech presentation is not typically associated with more rapid labor (choice A), a high risk of infection (choice B), or maternal perineal trauma (choice C). It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring for signs of umbilical cord compression in cases of breech presentation to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
The nurse is explaining the physiology of uterine contractions to a group of nursing students. Which statement best explains the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products during a contraction?
- A. Little to no affect
- B. Increases as blood pressure decreases
- C. Diminishes as the spiral arteries are compressed
- D. Continues except when placental functions are reduced
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D):
- During uterine contractions, placental blood flow may be temporarily reduced but not completely halted.
- Fetal-maternal exchange of oxygen and waste products continues to occur even during contractions.
- This is because the placenta acts as a continuous filter, allowing exchange to happen unless placental functions are severely compromised.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Incorrect. There is an effect on maternal-fetal exchange during contractions.
B: Incorrect. Increased blood pressure does not necessarily correlate with increased exchange.
C: Incorrect. Compression of spiral arteries may impact blood flow but does not completely stop exchange.
The patient with which vaginal exam is most at risk for an umbilical cord prolapse?
- A. 1-2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, -1 station
- B. 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, -3 station
- C. 7-8 cm dilated, 80% effaced, -2 station
- D. 9 cm dilated, 100% effaced, 0 station
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a patient who is 5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and at -3 station is most at risk for an umbilical cord prolapse. At this stage, the presenting part of the baby is not well engaged in the pelvis, increasing the likelihood of the cord slipping down in front of the baby. This can lead to compression of the cord during labor, which is a serious obstetric emergency.
Choice A is less likely as the baby is only at -1 station and not as far down in the pelvis. Choice C also has the baby at a higher station (-2) and more dilated, which may help secure the baby's position. Choice D is the least likely as the baby is fully engaged at 0 station, reducing the risk of cord prolapse.
How should the nurse respect the rapid psychologic changes occurring in the fourth stage of labor?
- A. Invite the family to come in and see the newborn.
- B. Take the lead from the parents regarding interruption of the bonding.
- C. Ask multiple questions about taking pictures of the newborn.
- D. Take the newborn to the nursery to encourage the parents to rest.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In the fourth stage of labor, the nurse should respect the rapid psychologic changes by taking the lead from the parents regarding interruption of bonding. This is important because it allows the parents to establish a strong bond with their newborn without feeling pressured or rushed. By following the parents' cues, the nurse can support their emotional needs and facilitate a positive bonding experience.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize the parents' emotional needs and may disrupt the bonding process. Inviting the family to see the newborn (Choice A) may add stress to the situation. Asking multiple questions about taking pictures (Choice C) may be intrusive. Taking the newborn to the nursery (Choice D) may interfere with the bonding process and discourage parental involvement.