A client in labor receiving an epidural reports feeling lightheaded and nauseous. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer antiemetics as prescribed.
- B. Check maternal blood pressure.
- C. Increase the oxytocin infusion rate.
- D. Encourage the client to lie on her back.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lightheadedness and nausea can be signs of hypotension, a common side effect of epidural anesthesia.
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The nurse in a clinic is teaching a client of childbearing age about recommended folic acid supplements. Which of the following defects can occur in the fetus or neonate as a result folic acid deficiency?
- A. iron deficiency anemia
- B. Poor bone formation
- C. Macrosomia fetus
- D. Neural tube defect
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Folic acid is essential for the development of the neural tube in the fetus. When a pregnant woman has a deficiency in folic acid, it can lead to neural tube defects in the fetus. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord of the baby. The most common types of neural tube defects include spina bifida and anencephaly. Therefore, it is crucial for women of childbearing age to ensure an adequate intake of folic acid to prevent such birth defects.
A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Urine Ketones
- B. Rapid plasma regain
- C. Prothrombin time
- D. Urine culture
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. One important laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum is the urine ketones test. Ketones in the urine can indicate that the body is breaking down fat for energy instead of using glucose, which can occur during prolonged fasting or in conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum where there is severe vomiting leading to inadequate intake of nutrients. Monitoring urine ketones levels helps healthcare providers assess the severity of dehydration and metabolic derangement in these patients. It guides the management of fluid and electrolyte replacement to prevent complications like ketosis and metabolic acidosis.
The nurse is preparing a client for an amniocentesis. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Verify signed informed consent.
- B. Administer prescribed analgesics.
- C. Encourage the client to empty their bladder.
- D. Position the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ensuring informed consent is signed is a critical step before an invasive procedure like amniocentesis.
A patient's newborn is neurologically impaired. The most important nursing action should be:
- A. Assist the patient and her family with the grieving process.
- B. Perform neurological assessments of the newborn every four hours.
- C. Arrange for social services to discuss possible placement of the newborn
- D. Obtain an order for an antidepressant to help the patient cope with the depressing news.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient's newborn is neurologically impaired is to assist the patient and her family with the grieving process. This situation can be extremely emotionally challenging for the parents and family as they come to terms with the newborn's condition. Providing support, empathy, and resources for coping with the grief is essential in helping the family navigate this difficult time. By being present, listening, and offering comfort, the nurse can help the family process their emotions and begin to cope with the situation. This support is crucial in promoting the overall well-being of the family as they adjust to the new reality of caring for a neurologically impaired newborn.
A patient who is older than 35 years may have difficulty achieving pregnancy because
- A. prepregnancy medical attention is lacking.
- B. personal risk behaviors influence fertility.
- C. contraceptives have been used for an extended period of time.
- D. the ovaries may be affected by the normal aging process.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: As women age, their ovarian reserve decreases and the quality of their eggs declines, making it more difficult to conceive. This is due to the normal aging process of the ovaries, which can lead to decreased fertility and an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos. Therefore, a patient who is older than 35 years may have difficulty achieving pregnancy because the ovaries may be affected by the normal aging process.