During an assessment, a client at 26 weeks of gestation presents with which of the following clinical manifestations that should be reported to the provider?
- A. Leukorrhea
- B. Supine hypotension
- C. Periodic numbness of the fingers
- D. Decreased urine output
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased urine output. At 26 weeks of gestation, decreased urine output can be a sign of potential complications like preeclampsia or dehydration, which require immediate medical attention to prevent harm to the mother and baby. Leukorrhea (choice A) is a common pregnancy symptom and not typically concerning. Supine hypotension (choice B) is a known issue in pregnancy but usually occurs later in the third trimester due to pressure on the vena cava when lying on the back. Periodic numbness of the fingers (choice C) can be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common in pregnancy but not typically urgent at 26 weeks unless severe and persistent.
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A client in a prenatal clinic is pregnant and experiencing episodes of maternal hypotension. The client asks the nurse what causes these episodes. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. This is due to an increase in blood volume.
- B. This is due to pressure from the uterus on the diaphragm.
- C. This is due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava.
- D. This is due to increased cardiac output.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: This is due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava. Maternal hypotension during pregnancy can occur when the growing uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure. This compression can lead to decreased blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, resulting in symptoms of hypotension. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: An increase in blood volume during pregnancy typically leads to an increase in blood pressure, not hypotension.
B: Pressure from the uterus on the diaphragm may cause discomfort or shortness of breath but is not the primary cause of maternal hypotension.
D: Increased cardiac output is a normal adaptation in pregnancy to meet the demands of the growing fetus and placenta, but it does not directly cause maternal hypotension.
A client who is at 12 weeks of gestation is reviewing a new prescription of ferrous sulfate. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will take this pill with my breakfast.
- B. I will take this medication with a glass of milk.
- C. I plan to drink more orange juice while taking this pill.
- D. I plan to add more calcium-rich foods to my diet while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I plan to drink more orange juice while taking this pill." Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of iron from ferrous sulfate, helping to combat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Taking the pill with a vitamin C source is important for optimal absorption.
A: Taking the pill with breakfast may not provide enough vitamin C for optimal absorption.
B: Milk may inhibit iron absorption due to its calcium content, so it is not ideal to take with ferrous sulfate.
D: While increasing calcium-rich foods is important during pregnancy, it is not directly related to enhancing iron absorption from ferrous sulfate.
A parent is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse regarding caring for their newborn after a circumcision. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Apply slight pressure with a sterile gauze pad for mild bleeding.
- B. Inspect the circumcision site every 6 to 8 hours.
- C. Avoid using baby wipes containing alcohol to cleanse the penis with each diaper change.
- D. Clean the circumcision site daily using a warm, wet washcloth.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply slight pressure with a sterile gauze pad for mild bleeding. This instruction is crucial because it addresses the immediate post-circumcision care to control bleeding. Applying slight pressure with a sterile gauze pad helps to promote clotting and prevent excessive bleeding. This step is essential to ensure the newborn's safety and prevent complications.
Summary of other choices:
B: Inspecting the circumcision site every 6 to 8 hours is important, but not as critical as addressing bleeding promptly.
C: Avoiding baby wipes containing alcohol is a good practice to prevent irritation, but it is not the most urgent instruction for immediate care.
D: Cleaning the circumcision site daily using a warm, wet washcloth is generally recommended for routine care, but in the immediate post-circumcision period, controlling bleeding takes precedence.
While caring for a newborn undergoing phototherapy to treat hyperbilirubinemia, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Cover the newborn's eyes with an opaque eye mask while under the phototherapy light.
- B. Keep the newborn in a shirt while under the phototherapy light.
- C. Apply a light moisturizing lotion to the newborn's skin.
- D. Turn and reposition the newborn every 4 hours while undergoing phototherapy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Cover the newborn's eyes with an opaque eye mask while under the phototherapy light.
Rationale:
1. Phototherapy light can cause eye damage, so covering the newborn's eyes with an opaque eye mask protects them.
2. Newborns' eyes are more sensitive to light, making eye protection crucial during phototherapy.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Keeping the newborn in a shirt won't protect the eyes from phototherapy light.
C: Applying lotion can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and may cause skin irritation.
D: Turning and repositioning the newborn is important for comfort, but eye protection is the priority during phototherapy.
While assisting with the care of a client in active labor, a nurse observes clear fluid and a loop of pulsating umbilical cord outside the client's vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
- A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
- B. Apply finger pressure to the presenting part
- C. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather
- D. Call for assistance
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Call for assistance. This is the first action the nurse should take in this emergency situation. Calling for help ensures that additional support and resources are available to manage the situation effectively. Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position (A) is not recommended as it can worsen the prolapsed cord. Applying finger pressure to the presenting part (B) can lead to further complications. Administering oxygen (C) may be necessary but is not the priority when a prolapsed cord is present.