A client at 32 weeks gestation is hospitalized with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and magnesium sulfate is prescribed to control the symptoms. Which assessment finding indicates the therapeutic drug level has been achieved?
- A. 4+ reflexes
- B. Urinary output of 50 ml per hour
- C. A decrease in respiratory rate from 24 to 16
- D. A decreased body temperature
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A decrease in respiratory rate from 24 to 16 indicates that magnesium sulfate is effectively reducing central nervous system irritability, a desired therapeutic effect. This decrease in respiratory rate signifies that the drug has reached a therapeutic level to control symptoms of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 4+ reflexes, urinary output, and body temperature are not direct indicators of achieving a therapeutic level of magnesium sulfate for controlling PIH symptoms.
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At 40-weeks gestation, a client presents to the obstetrical floor indicating that the amniotic membranes ruptured spontaneously at home. She is in active labor and feels the need to bear down and push. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
- A. Color and consistency of fluid.
- B. Estimated amount of fluid.
- C. Any odor noted when membranes ruptured.
- D. Time the membranes ruptured.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The color and consistency of the amniotic fluid are crucial to assess for the presence of meconium, which may indicate fetal distress. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid can suggest fetal compromise and the need for further evaluation and monitoring. The estimated amount of fluid is less critical than assessing for meconium. While noting any odor when the membranes ruptured may provide some information, it is not as crucial as assessing for meconium. The time the membranes ruptured is important for documenting the timeline but does not directly impact immediate patient care like assessing for fetal distress.
When a client delivers a viable infant but experiences excessive uncontrolled vaginal bleeding after the IV Pitocin infusion, what information is most important for the nurse to provide when notifying the healthcare provider?
- A. Maternal blood pressure
- B. Estimated blood loss
- C. Length of labor
- D. Amount of IV fluids administered
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a situation where a client is experiencing excessive uncontrolled vaginal bleeding post-delivery, the most crucial information for the nurse to provide the healthcare provider is the maternal blood pressure. Maternal blood pressure can help assess the severity of the bleeding and guide immediate interventions to stabilize the client's condition. Estimated blood loss, length of labor, and amount of IV fluids administered are important pieces of information but in this scenario, maternal blood pressure takes precedence as it directly indicates the client's current hemodynamic status.
Twenty-four hours after admission to the newborn nursery, a full-term male infant develops localized edema on the right side of his head. The LPN/LVN knows that, in the newborn, an accumulation of blood between the periosteum and skull which does not cross the suture line is a newborn variation known as
- A. a cephalhematoma, caused by birth trauma and may last up to 8 weeks.
- B. a subarachnoid hematoma, which requires immediate drainage to prevent further complications.
- C. molding, caused by pressure during labor and will disappear within 2 to 3 days.
- D. a subdural hematoma, which can result in lifelong damage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cephalhematoma is the accumulation of blood between the periosteum and skull, often due to birth trauma, and typically resolves within weeks. It is a common finding in newborns and is not usually a cause for concern as it gradually resolves without specific treatment. Subarachnoid hematoma and subdural hematoma are different conditions that present with distinct characteristics and require different management strategies. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Subarachnoid hematoma is typically found in the subarachnoid space and requires immediate intervention, not just observation like cephalhematoma. Molding refers to the shaping of the fetal head during passage through the birth canal and is a temporary change, not a collection of blood like in cephalhematoma. Subdural hematoma is located beneath the dura mater and is associated with significant complications, unlike the self-limiting nature of cephalhematoma.
A community health nurse visits a family in which a 16-year-old unmarried daughter is pregnant with her first child and is at 32-weeks gestation. The client tells the nurse that she has been having intermittent back pain since the night before. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Ask the client's mother to call an ambulance for transport to the hospital immediately.
- B. Determine what physical activities the client has performed for the past 24 hours.
- C. Teach the client how to perform pelvic rock exercises and observe for correct feedback.
- D. Ask the client if she has experienced any recent changes in vaginal discharge.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention in this situation is to ask the client if she has experienced any recent changes in vaginal discharge. Changes in vaginal discharge can indicate preterm labor, making it crucial to assess promptly. This information will help determine if the client needs immediate medical attention and appropriate interventions to prevent preterm birth and ensure the well-being of the mother and the baby. Option A is not the priority as back pain alone does not warrant immediate ambulance transport. Option B is less relevant in this context as the focus should be on immediate concerns related to pregnancy. Option C is not the priority as addressing back pain should come after ruling out urgent pregnancy-related issues.
Using N¤gele's rule, what is the estimated date of delivery for a pregnant client who reports that the first day of her last menstrual period was August 2, 2006?
- A. April 25, 2007.
- B. May 9, 2007.
- C. May 29, 2007.
- D. June 2, 2007.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: N¤gele's rule is used to estimate the date of delivery. It involves adding 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (August 2), which gives August 9. Then, subtracting 3 months from August 9, we arrive at May 9 of the following year as the estimated date of delivery. This makes choice B, 'May 9, 2007,' the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the correct calculation based on N¤gele's rule.
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