A nurse at an antepartum clinic is caring for a client who is at 4 months of gestation. The client reports continued nausea, vomiting, and scant, prune-colored discharge. The client has experienced no weight loss and has a fundal height larger than expected. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
- A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
- B. Threatened abortion
- C. Hydatidiform mole
- D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hydatidiform mole. At 4 months of gestation, prune-colored discharge indicates possible passage of vesicular tissue characteristic of a molar pregnancy. This, along with continued nausea, vomiting, and larger fundal height, are signs of a hydatidiform mole. Hyperemesis gravidarum (A) typically involves severe nausea and vomiting leading to weight loss, which the client did not experience. Threatened abortion (B) presents with vaginal bleeding and cramping, not prune-colored discharge. Preterm labor (D) is characterized by regular contractions leading to cervical changes, not the symptoms described.
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A client in labor requests epidural anesthesia for pain control. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Position the client supine for 30 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution.
- B. Administer 1,000 mL of dextrose 5% in water after the first dose of anesthetic solution.
- C. Monitor the client's blood pressure every 5 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution.
- D. Ensure the client has been NPO for 4 hours before the placement of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's blood pressure every 5 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution. This is crucial as epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension, which can lead to maternal and fetal complications. Monitoring blood pressure every 5 minutes allows for early detection and intervention.
A: Positioning the client supine for 30 minutes after the first dose of anesthetic solution can lead to hypotension due to decreased venous return, so this is incorrect.
B: Administering dextrose 5% in water is not a standard practice after epidural anesthesia and does not address the risk of hypotension, so this is incorrect.
D: Ensuring the client has been NPO for 4 hours before the procedure is important for general anesthesia but not specifically for epidural anesthesia, so this is incorrect.
A healthcare professional is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a newborn via a heel stick. Which of the following techniques should the professional use to help minimize the pain of the procedure for the newborn?
- A. Apply a cool pack to the heel for 10 minutes prior to the puncture.
- B. Request a prescription for IM analgesic.
- C. Use a manual lancet to pierce the skin.
- D. Place the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Place the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest. This technique promotes bonding, warmth, and comfort, which can help minimize the newborn's pain perception during the procedure. Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, which has analgesic effects. It also provides emotional support and reduces stress for both the newborn and the mother.
A, applying a cool pack, may cause vasoconstriction and increase pain perception. B, requesting an IM analgesic, is not typically necessary for a routine heel stick and may have potential adverse effects. C, using a manual lancet, does not address the emotional and psychological aspects of pain perception in newborns.
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.
During preterm labor, a client is scheduled for an amniocentesis. The nurse should review which of the following tests to assess fetal lung maturity?
- A. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- B. Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
- C. Kleihauer-Betke test
- D. Indirect Coombs' test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio. This test is used to assess fetal lung maturity by determining the ratio of two substances present in amniotic fluid. An L/S ratio of 2:1 or higher indicates mature fetal lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
A: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used to screen for neural tube defects, not fetal lung maturity.
C: Kleihauer-Betke test is used to detect fetal-maternal hemorrhage.
D: Indirect Coombs' test is used to detect antibodies in maternal blood that may attack fetal red blood cells, not assess fetal lung maturity.
In summary, the L/S ratio test is the most appropriate choice to assess fetal lung maturity during preterm labor, as it directly correlates with the development of the fetal lungs.
When caring for a client in labor, which of the following infections can be treated during labor or immediately following birth? (Select all that apply)
- A. Gonorrhea
- B. Chlamydia
- C. HIV
- D. All of the Above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the Above. All three infections - Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV - can be treated during labor or immediately following birth to prevent transmission to the newborn. Antibiotics can be administered for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, while antiretroviral medications can be given for HIV. Prompt treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of vertical transmission. The other choices are incorrect because each infection listed can be effectively managed during labor or post-birth, making choice D the most comprehensive and accurate option.
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