A woman enters the birthing center in active labor. She tells the nurse that her membranes ruptured 26 hours ago. The nurse immediately takes the client's vital signs. Which is the rationale for the nurse's actions?
- A. Pulse rates rise the longer the membranes are ruptured
- B. Respiratory rates decrease due to lack of fluid in the uterus
- C. Prolonged rupture of membranes can lead to transient hypertension
- D. Infection is a complication of prolonged rupture of membranes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When the membranes rupture, it increases the risk of infection as it provides a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the uterus. Taking vital signs is crucial to monitor for signs of infection such as fever, tachycardia, and hypotension. Elevated temperature and increased heart rate can indicate an infection. Choice A is incorrect because pulse rate may not necessarily rise with prolonged rupture of membranes. Choice B is also incorrect as respiratory rates are not directly affected by ruptured membranes. Choice C is incorrect as prolonged rupture can lead to infection rather than transient hypertension.
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The nurse midwife is concerned about a pregnant client who is suspected of having a TORCH infection. Which is the main reason TORCH infections are grouped together? They are:
- A. benign to the woman but cause death to the fetus.
- B. sexually transmitted.
- C. capable of infecting the fetus.
- D. transmitted to the pregnant woman by a vector.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because TORCH infections (Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes) are grouped together due to their ability to infect the fetus during pregnancy. These infections can lead to severe complications in the developing fetus, including congenital disabilities and even fetal death. Choices A, B, and D do not accurately describe the main reason TORCH infections are grouped together. Choice A focuses on the outcomes for the woman and fetus, not the reason for grouping the infections. Choice B is incorrect as TORCH infections are not primarily sexually transmitted. Choice D is also incorrect as TORCH infections are not transmitted by vectors but through various routes such as transplacentally or through contact with infected bodily fluids.
A client reports awaking from sleep by contractions that are occurring every five minutes and lasting 30-40 seconds. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to assess for true labor versus false labor?
- A. When did your contractions begin?
- B. Have you noticed any bloody show or fluid coming from your vagina?
- C. What happens to your contractions when you move about?
- D. Have you felt fetal movement over the last 24 hours?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The presence of bloody show or fluid coming from the vagina can indicate ruptured membranes, which is a sign of true labor. This is important in determining whether the client is in active labor. Asking about the presence of bloody show or fluid helps differentiate between true and false labor.
Choice A is less relevant as the timing of contractions alone does not distinguish between true and false labor. Choice C is related to assessing the effectiveness of contractions, not differentiating between true and false labor. Choice D is important for assessing fetal well-being but does not help in distinguishing between true and false labor.
A client who is 37 weeks gestation comes to the office for a routine visit. This is the client's first baby and she asks the nurse how she will know when labor begins. Which signs indicate that true labor has begun?
- A. Contractions that are irregular and decrease in intensity when walking
- B. Abdominal pain that starts at the fundus and progresses to the lower back
- C. Increased pressure on the bladder and urinary frequency
- D. Expulsion of pink-tinged mucous and contractions that start in the lower back
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the expulsion of pink-tinged mucous (bloody show) and contractions starting in the lower back are indicative of true labor. This is due to the release of the mucus plug and the initiation of true uterine contractions. Contractions that start in the lower back and progress to the front are characteristic of true labor.
Choice A is incorrect because contractions that are irregular and decrease in intensity with walking are characteristic of false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions).
Choice B is incorrect as abdominal pain starting at the fundus and progressing to the lower back is not a specific sign of true labor.
Choice C is incorrect as increased pressure on the bladder and urinary frequency are common throughout pregnancy and not specific to the onset of true labor.
In summary, the correct answer D provides specific and characteristic signs of true labor, while the other choices do not accurately reflect the onset of true labor.
A client in preterm labor is admitted to the hospital. Which classification of drugs should the nurse anticipate administering?
- A. Tocolytics
- B. Anticonvulsants
- C. Glucocorticoids
- D. Anti-infective
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tocolytics. Tocolytics are drugs used to inhibit uterine contractions and delay preterm labor. They help prevent premature birth and allow time for other interventions. Anticonvulsants (B) are used to treat seizures, not preterm labor. Glucocorticoids (C) are given to enhance fetal lung maturity in preterm labor, but do not inhibit contractions. Anti-infectives (D) are used to treat infections, not preterm labor. Therefore, tocolytics are the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
A nurse is talking to the parents of a 3-year-old child about water safety precautions. Which of the following statements made by the parents indicates a need for clarification?
- A. We keep the toilet seat down at all times.
- B. We don't answer the phone during bath time.
- C. We empty all buckets filled with water.
- D. We have our child in swimming lessons.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because enrolling a 3-year-old child in swimming lessons does not necessarily prevent drowning incidents. It is crucial for parents to understand that even with swimming lessons, active supervision around water is essential to prevent accidents. Keeping the toilet seat down (A), avoiding distractions during bath time (B), and emptying buckets filled with water (C) are all important water safety precautions to prevent drowning incidents. Swimming lessons are beneficial, but they should not replace vigilant supervision.