A nurse is caring for a postpartum person with a diagnosis of uterine atony. What is the most appropriate first action to take?
- A. perform fundal massage
- B. administer a uterotonic medication
- C. perform a vaginal exam
- D. monitor vital signs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action is to perform fundal massage. This helps stimulate uterine contractions, which can help control bleeding due to uterine atony. The massage should be done gently but firmly to prevent further complications. Administering uterotonic medication (choice B) can be done after fundal massage. Performing a vaginal exam (choice C) can increase the risk of infection and should be avoided initially. Monitoring vital signs (choice D) is important but addressing the uterine atony should be the priority to prevent further complications.
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A 38-week pregnant patient in active labor is experiencing frequent and painful contractions. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse?
- A. Administer narcotic analgesics for pain relief
- B. Provide emotional support and reassurance
- C. Assess the fetal heart rate and contraction patterns
- D. Prepare for delivery
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for delivery. At 38 weeks of gestation and in active labor, the most appropriate action is to prepare for delivery as the patient is likely to be close to giving birth. This involves ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are ready, notifying the healthcare team, and positioning the patient for delivery. Administering narcotic analgesics (choice A) may not be ideal at this stage as the priority is the imminent delivery. While emotional support and reassurance (choice B) are important, they should be provided alongside preparing for delivery. Assessing the fetal heart rate and contraction patterns (choice C) is crucial but should be done concurrently with preparing for delivery to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
A couple is preparing to interview obstetric primary care providers to determine who they will go to for care during their pregnancy and delivery.
- A. Take a tour of hospital delivery areas.
- B. Develop a preliminary birth plan.
- C. Make appointments with three or four obstetric care providers.
- D. Search the Internet for the malpractice histories of the providers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Developing a preliminary birth plan helps couples clarify their preferences and priorities, facilitating better communication with potential providers.
A woman missed her menstrual period 1 week ago and has come to the doctor’s office for a pregnancy test. Which placental hormone is measured in pregnancy tests?
- A. Progesterone
- B. Estrogen
- C. Human chorionic gonadotropin
- D. Human placental lactogen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin is the basis for most pregnancy tests. It is detectable in maternal blood as soon as implantation occurs, usually 7 to 9 days after fertilization.
A woman missed her menstrual period 1 week ago and has come to the doctor’s office for a pregnancy test. Which placental hormone is measured in pregnancy tests?
- A. Progesterone
- B. Estrogen
- C. Human chorionic gonadotropin
- D. Human placental lactogen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin is the basis for most pregnancy tests. It is detectable in maternal blood as soon as implantation occurs, usually 7 to 9 days after fertilization.
A pregnant patient is at 34 weeks gestation and reports sudden sharp abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Encourage the patient to lie down and monitor the symptoms.
- B. Administer pain medication and schedule an ultrasound.
- C. Call the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for possible preterm labor.
- D. Assess the fetal heart rate and monitor for contractions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - Call the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for possible preterm labor. At 34 weeks gestation, sudden sharp abdominal pain and difficulty breathing could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or pulmonary embolism. Calling the healthcare provider ensures prompt assessment and appropriate intervention to prevent harm to the mother and baby. Encouraging the patient to lie down may delay necessary intervention. Administering pain medication before determining the cause of pain could mask important symptoms. Assessing the fetal heart rate and monitoring for contractions are important but secondary actions to calling the healthcare provider in this urgent situation.