Nokea
A nurse monitors fetal well-being by means of an external monitor. At the peak of the contractions, the fetal heart rate has repeatedly dropped 30 beats/min below the baseline. Late decelerations are suspected and the nurse notifies the physician. Which is the rationale for this action?
- A. A nuchal cord (cord around the neck) is associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
- B. Variable decelerations (not late decelerations) are associated with cord compression.
- C. Late decelerations are a result of hypoxia. They are not reflective of the strength of maternal contractions.
- D. Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and are a sign of fetal hypoxia. Repeated late decelerations indicate fetal distress.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, indicating fetal hypoxia. During contractions, the placenta may not be receiving enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to decreased oxygen supply to the fetus, resulting in late decelerations. Repeated late decelerations indicate ongoing fetal distress and the need for immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the characteristics and causes of late decelerations. A nuchal cord is associated with variable decelerations, not late decelerations. Variable decelerations are due to cord compression, not late decelerations. Late decelerations are indeed a result of hypoxia, but they are specifically related to uteroplacental insufficiency, not reflective of the strength of maternal contractions.
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A breastfeeding mother complains of cramping. Which is the main cause of the client's afterpains?
- A. Infection of the suture line
- B. Constipation and bloating
- C. Contractions of the uterus
- D. Trauma during delivery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contractions of the uterus. After giving birth, the uterus continues to contract to reduce in size, which can cause cramping or afterpains. This is a normal process known as involution. Infection of the suture line (A) would present with other symptoms like redness, swelling, and warmth. Constipation and bloating (B) may cause discomfort but are not directly related to afterpains. Trauma during delivery (D) could lead to pain but is not the main cause of afterpains in a breastfeeding mother.
A new client's pregnancy is confirmed at 10 weeks gestation. Her history reveals that her first two pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion at 12 and 20 weeks. She has a 4-year-old and a set of 1-year-old twins. How should the nurse record the client's current gravida and para status?
- A. Gravida 2, para 3
- B. Gravida 4, para 2
- C. Gravida 5, para 2
- D. Gravida 5, para 4
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gravida 5, para 2. Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies, including the current one. The client is currently pregnant (1), had two spontaneous abortions (2), a 4-year-old (3), and a set of 1-year-old twins (4-5). Para refers to the number of viable births (past the age of viability). The client has a 4-year-old and a set of 1-year-old twins, totaling 2 live births. Therefore, the correct status is Gravida 5, para 2.
Choice A (Gravida 2, para 3) is incorrect because it does not account for the client's current pregnancy and the twins. Choice B (Gravida 4, para 2) is incorrect as it overlooks the client's previous spontaneous abortions. Choice D (Gravida 5, para 4) is incorrect as it includes all
An hour after delivery, the nurse instills erythromycin (Ilotycin) ointment into the eyes of a newborn. The main objective of the treatment is to prevent infection caused by which organism?
- A. Rubella
- B. Gonorrhea
- C. Syphilis
- D. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gonorrhea. Erythromycin ointment is used to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, a purulent conjunctivitis that can result from gonorrhea infection in newborns during passage through the birth canal. Gonorrhea is a common cause of this condition, and timely administration of erythromycin helps prevent its development. Rubella, syphilis, and HIV do not typically cause ophthalmia neonatorum, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect in this context.
The nurse conducting a physical assessment notes that a 1-day-old newborn with dark skin has a bluish-gray discoloration over the lower back, the buttocks, and the scrotum. How should this assessment finding be documented?
- A. Extensive bruising
- B. Mongolian spots
- C. Nevus flammeus
- D. Acrocyanosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mongolian spots. This finding is common in newborns with dark skin and appears as bluish-gray discoloration in areas like the lower back, buttocks, and scrotum. Mongolian spots are benign and typically fade over time. Extensive bruising (A) would present differently and usually indicates trauma. Nevus flammeus (C) refers to a port-wine stain, which is a different type of birthmark. Acrocyanosis (D) is a condition characterized by bluish discoloration of the extremities due to poor circulation, not related to the described finding.
If a pregnant client diagnosed with gestational diabetes cannot maintain control of her blood sugar by diet alone, which medication will she receive?
- A. Metformin (Glucophage)
- B. Glucagon
- C. Insulin
- D. Glyburide (DiaBeta)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insulin. Insulin is the preferred medication for managing gestational diabetes as it is safe for the fetus and provides precise blood sugar control. Metformin (A) and Glyburide (D) are alternatives if insulin is not tolerated, but they may cross the placenta and have potential risks. Glucagon (B) is not used for diabetes management but for treating severe hypoglycemia.