A client at 39 weeks of gestation in a prenatal clinic asks about signs preceding 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 a sign that precedes labor as the body may experience a burst of energy known as the "nesting instinct." This surge can occur as the body prepares for the upcoming physical demands of labor.
A: Decreased vaginal discharge is not a sign of impending labor; in fact, there may be an increase in vaginal discharge as the body prepares for childbirth.
C: Urinary retention is not a sign of impending labor and can be a symptom of other issues such as a urinary tract infection.
D: Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg is not a specific sign of labor approaching; weight fluctuations during pregnancy are common and can vary based on various factors.
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A client who is at 10 weeks of gestation reports abdominal pain and moderate vaginal bleeding, with a tentative diagnosis of inevitable abortion. Which of the following nursing interventions should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
- B. Offer the option to view products of conception.
- C. Instruct the client to increase potassium-rich foods in the diet.
- D. Maintain the client on bed rest.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offer the option to view products of conception. This intervention allows the client to have closure and process the loss. It can also provide emotional support and facilitate the grieving process. Option A is not necessary unless the client is hypoxic. Option C is not relevant to the immediate management of an inevitable abortion. Option D may be advised for some clients, but it is not as crucial as offering emotional support and closure to the client in this situation.
During a client's active labor, a healthcare provider notes that the presenting part is at 0 station. What is the correct interpretation of this clinical finding?
- A. The fetal head is in the left occiput posterior position.
- B. The largest fetal diameter has passed through the pelvic outlet.
- C. The posterior fontanel is palpable.
- D. The lowermost portion of the fetus is at the level of the ischial spines.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct interpretation of 0 station is that the lowermost portion of the fetus is at the level of the ischial spines. This indicates the descent of the fetus into the birth canal. At 0 station, the presenting part has not yet passed through the pelvic outlet, ruling out choice B. Choices A and C are incorrect as they refer to different aspects of fetal positioning and fontanel palpation, not specifically related to station. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it directly relates to the position of the fetus in the birth canal.
A healthcare provider is admitting a client who has severe preeclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation and is reviewing the provider's orders. Which of the following orders requires clarification?
- A. Assess deep tendon reflexes every hour.
- B. Obtain a daily weight.
- C. Continuous fetal monitoring
- D. Ambulate twice daily
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ambulating a client with severe preeclampsia can be risky due to the potential for sudden worsening of symptoms and complications like seizures. It is important to prioritize rest and close monitoring in such cases. Assessing deep tendon reflexes every hour (A) is crucial as changes can indicate neurological involvement. Obtaining a daily weight (B) helps monitor fluid status. Continuous fetal monitoring (C) is necessary to assess the well-being of the fetus in cases of preeclampsia. In summary, ambulating the client with severe preeclampsia is the most concerning order as it may pose a significant risk to both the client and the fetus.
A nurse is admitting a term newborn following a cesarean birth. The nurse observes that the newborn's skin is slightly yellow. This finding indicates the newborn is experiencing a complication related to which of the following?
- A. Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility
- B. Absence of vitamin K
- C. Physiologic jaundice
- D. Maternal cocaine abuse
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why the correct answer is A:
1. Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility can result in hemolytic disease of the newborn.
2. Hemolytic disease causes an increase in bilirubin levels, leading to jaundice.
3. Jaundice in this case is due to the breakdown of red blood cells and elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels.
4. Physiologic jaundice is a normal process in newborns and usually appears after the first 24 hours of life.
5. Absence of vitamin K would not directly cause jaundice.
6. Maternal cocaine abuse is not typically associated with neonatal jaundice.
In summary, the correct answer is A because maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility can lead to hemolytic disease and subsequent jaundice, while the other choices are not directly related to neonatal jaundice.
A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client who is having a difficult, prolonged labor with severe backache. Which of the following contributing causes should the nurse identify?
- A. Fetal attitude is in general flexion.
- B. Fetal lie is longitudinal.
- C. Maternal pelvis is gynecoid.
- D. Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior. This position, where the baby's head is facing the mother's abdomen instead of her back, can lead to severe backache and difficulty during labor due to increased pressure on the mother's spine. This malposition can impede the progress of labor and cause prolonged labor.
Explanation of incorrect choices:
A: Fetal attitude in general flexion is a normal position and not typically associated with severe backache.
B: Fetal lie being longitudinal refers to the baby's position in relation to the mother's spine and is not directly related to backache.
C: Maternal pelvis being gynecoid is a favorable shape for childbirth and is unlikely to cause severe backache during labor.