A woman at 36-weeks gestation who is Rh negative is admitted to labor and delivery reporting abdominal cramping. She is placed on strict bedrest and the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern are monitored with an external fetal monitor. Two hours after admission, the nurse notes a large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Confirm Rh and Coombs status for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration.
- B. Perform sterile vaginal examination to determine dilatation.
- C. Assess the fetal heart rate and client's contraction pattern.
- D. Determine fetal position by performing Leopold maneuvers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bright red vaginal bleeding suggests possible placental issues; assessing fetal heart rate and contraction pattern is critical to detect fetal distress and guide urgent interventions.
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A primipara presents to the perinatal unit describing rupture of the membranes (ROM) occurring 12 hours prior to coming to the hospital. An oxytocin infusion is begun, and 8 hours later the client's contractions are irregular and mild. Based on this data, the nurse plans to monitor which sign more frequently than for the average laboring client?
- A. Color of amniotic fluid.
- B. Maternal temperature.
- C. Deep tendon reflexes.
- D. Maternal blood pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prolonged ROM increases infection risk, necessitating frequent maternal temperature monitoring to detect chorioamnionitis early.
During a routine prenatal visit, a client at 32-weeks gestation reports that urinary frequency has increased during the day as well as at night. The nurse determines the client is having irregular uterine contractions. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Collect a urine sample for dipstick analysis.
- B. Ask the client if she had sexual intercourse yesterday.
- C. Obtain a midstream urine specimen for culture.
- D. Determine if she has a change in vaginal discharge.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A midstream urine culture diagnoses UTIs, which can cause urinary frequency and uterine irritability, guiding targeted treatment.
A client who is positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaginally delivered a newborn. Which medication should the nurse administer to the newborn?
- A. Erythromycin ointment.
- B. Neomycin ointment.
- C. Tetracaine eye drops.
- D. Latanoprost eye drops.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erythromycin ointment is the standard prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, preventing severe eye infections.
A client who delivered vaginally 18 hours ago develops a slight fever. The client's delivery record shows spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) for 36 hours prior to delivery and labor lasting 24 hours. An epidural was placed during labor, and she experienced a third-degree perineal laceration. The nurse should recognize which information poses the greatest risk for developing postpartum endometritis?
- A. SROM for 36 hours.
- B. Labor lasting for 24 hours.
- C. Third-degree perineal laceration.
- D. Epidural anesthesia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prolonged SROM significantly increases the risk of postpartum endometritis due to extended exposure to pathogens.
A primigravida client with gestational hypertension and a Bishop score of 3 is scheduled for induction of labor. The nurse administers misoprostol at 0700, then observes regular contractions with cervical changes at 0900. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Start oxytocin infusion immediately.
- B. Begin oxytocin 4 hours after misoprostol is given.
- C. Ambulate the client after administration of misoprostol.
- D. Administer misoprostol every 2 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Waiting 4 hours before starting oxytocin prevents uterine hyperstimulation, ensuring safer labor induction after misoprostol's cervical ripening effect.
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