Maternal Monitoring During Labor

Maternal Monitoring During Labor Related

Review Maternal Monitoring During Labor related questions and content

A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling of the hands, feet, and face. What is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
  • B. Encourage the patient to elevate the legs to reduce swelling.
  • C. Administer diuretics as prescribed to reduce fluid retention.
  • D. Instruct the patient to drink more water and reduce sodium intake.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.

Rationale:
1. Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, and face in a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation can be a sign of preeclampsia.
2. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby.
3. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure and checking for signs of preeclampsia is crucial for early detection and management of the condition.
4. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent potential severe outcomes such as seizures, stroke, or organ damage.

Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Elevating the legs may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the sudden swelling, which could be preeclampsia.
C: Administering diuretics without assessing the patient's blood pressure and ruling out

You may also like to solve these questions

A pregnant patient is at 25 weeks gestation and is concerned about her risk of preterm labor. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse educate the patient to report immediately?

  • A. Mild back pain and cramping
  • B. Increased vaginal discharge
  • C. Painful, regular contractions
  • D. Feeling of pelvic pressure after physical activity
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Painful, regular contractions. At 25 weeks gestation, experiencing painful, regular contractions could indicate preterm labor, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent premature birth. Mild back pain and cramping (choice A) are common in pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate preterm labor. Increased vaginal discharge (choice B) is also common in pregnancy and not typically a sign of preterm labor. Feeling of pelvic pressure after physical activity (choice D) is common due to the growing uterus and ligament stretching, but it is not a definitive sign of preterm labor unless accompanied by other symptoms like contractions.

The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 24 weeks gestation and has been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

  • A. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
  • B. Encourage the patient to drink cranberry juice.
  • C. Provide education about the signs of preterm labor.
  • D. Schedule a follow-up ultrasound to assess fetal health.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics as prescribed. The priority is to treat the UTI to prevent potential harm to the patient and fetus. Antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the infection and reduce the risk of complications. Encouraging cranberry juice (B) may be beneficial for prevention but is not sufficient to treat an existing UTI. Providing education about preterm labor signs (C) is important but addressing the infection is the immediate concern. Scheduling a follow-up ultrasound (D) may be necessary later but does not address the urgent need to treat the UTI.

A gravid woman and her husband inform the nurse that they have just moved into a three-story home that was built in the 1930s. Which of the following is critical for the nurse to advise the woman to protect the unborn child?

  • A. Stay out of any rooms that are being renovated.
  • B. Drink water only from the hot water tap.
  • C. Refrain from entering the basement.
  • D. Climb the stairs only once per day.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Renovations in older homes may release lead dust or asbestos, which are harmful to the developing fetus. Drinking water from the hot tap, limiting stair climbing, or avoiding basements are less critical concerns compared to exposure to renovation hazards.

The nurse is assessing the laboratory report of a 40-week gestation client. Which of the following values would the nurse expect to find elevated above prepregnancy levels? Select all that apply.

  • A. Glucose.
  • B. Fibrinogen.
  • C. Hematocrit.
  • D. Bilirubin.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fibrinogen levels increase to prevent excessive blood loss during delivery, and white blood cell count rises to protect against infection. Glucose, hematocrit, and bilirubin levels should remain within normal limits.

Which is fetal tachycardia likely caused by?

  • A. Compression of the umbilical cord
  • B. Maternal infection
  • C. Compression of the fetal head
  • D. Maternal hypertension
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maternal infection. Maternal infection can lead to fetal tachycardia due to the transfer of inflammatory mediators from the mother to the fetus, causing an increase in the fetal heart rate. This physiological response is a common indicator of fetal distress in utero.

A: Compression of the umbilical cord can lead to fetal distress, but it typically manifests as bradycardia rather than tachycardia.
C: Compression of the fetal head can cause fetal distress, but it is more likely to result in decelerations in heart rate rather than tachycardia.
D: Maternal hypertension can lead to complications during pregnancy, but it is not typically associated with fetal tachycardia.

Copyright © 2025 Nokea. All rights reserved.