A woman in labor begins to experience a sudden increase in vaginal bleeding and the fetal heart rate decelerates. What is the likely cause of these symptoms?
- A. Placenta previa
- B. Placental abruption
- C. Uterine rupture
- D. Cervical laceration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Placental abruption. Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to vaginal bleeding and fetal distress. The sudden increase in bleeding and fetal heart rate deceleration are hallmark signs of placental abruption. Placenta previa (choice A) involves bleeding without fetal distress. Uterine rupture (choice C) typically presents with severe abdominal pain and shock. Cervical laceration (choice D) would not cause fetal heart rate deceleration.
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A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and reports occasional headaches and blurred vision. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
- B. Administer pain relief and encourage the patient to rest.
- C. Assess the patient's vision and schedule an appointment with an eye specialist.
- D. Encourage the patient to drink fluids and avoid strenuous activity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
1. Headaches and blurred vision are common symptoms of preeclampsia.
2. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can lead to complications for both the mother and baby.
3. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in diagnosing preeclampsia and determining the appropriate course of action.
4. Prompt assessment and management of preeclampsia are essential to prevent further complications.
Incorrect choices:
B: Administering pain relief and encouraging rest does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which could be preeclampsia.
C: Assessing vision and scheduling an appointment with an eye specialist does not address the urgent need to assess for preeclampsia.
D: Encouraging fluid intake and avoiding strenuous activity may be helpful in general, but they do not address the potential seriousness of preeclampsia in this
A pregnant patient is concerned about the use of caffeine during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Caffeine is completely safe during pregnancy and has no impact on the baby.
- B. Moderate caffeine consumption is safe, but it is recommended to limit it to 200 mg per day.
- C. You should avoid caffeine completely to prevent any complications.
- D. Caffeine can cause premature labor, so it should be avoided entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Moderate caffeine consumption is safe, but it is recommended to limit it to 200 mg per day during pregnancy. This answer is appropriate because it balances the potential risks of caffeine with the benefits of moderate consumption. Excessive caffeine intake has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, so setting a limit is a prudent approach.
Explanation for Incorrect Choices:
A: This statement is incorrect as excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can have negative effects on the baby.
C: Complete avoidance of caffeine is not necessary unless the individual has specific health concerns that warrant it.
D: While high levels of caffeine can be linked to complications, the statement that caffeine always causes premature labor is an oversimplification.
A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports frequent headaches and blurred vision. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Encourage the patient to take over-the-counter pain medication for relief.
- B. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
- C. Advise the patient to rest and stay hydrated to alleviate symptoms.
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment for further evaluation in a few days.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. At 26 weeks gestation, headaches and blurred vision could be symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial as high blood pressure is a key indicator. Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby if left untreated. Encouraging over-the-counter pain medication (Choice A) may mask symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. Rest and hydration (Choice C) are important, but immediate evaluation for preeclampsia is necessary. Scheduling a follow-up appointment (Choice D) delays potential diagnosis and treatment.
The nurse is providing prenatal education to a pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation. Which of the following topics should the nurse prioritize during this visit?
- A. Signs and symptoms of preterm labor and when to call the healthcare provider
- B. Breastfeeding techniques and infant care
- C. Postpartum care and family planning options
- D. Managing pregnancy-related fatigue and morning sickness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Signs and symptoms of preterm labor and when to call the healthcare provider. This is the most crucial topic to prioritize at 24 weeks gestation because preterm labor can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. By educating the patient on the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, such as abdominal cramping, backache, or vaginal bleeding, the nurse can empower the patient to recognize these warning signs early and seek prompt medical attention, potentially preventing preterm birth.
Choice B: Breastfeeding techniques and infant care, and Choice C: Postpartum care and family planning options are important topics but are more relevant for later stages of pregnancy or after delivery. Choice D: Managing pregnancy-related fatigue and morning sickness is also important but is generally not as urgent as being aware of signs of preterm labor.
What is the purpose of the Leopold's maneuver in labor and delivery?
- A. to assess fetal presentation and position
- B. to assess fetal position and the location of the placenta
- C. to assess uterine tone and fetal heart rate
- D. to assess the fetal heart rate pattern
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The purpose of Leopold's maneuver in labor and delivery is to assess fetal presentation and position. Step 1 evaluates the fundal grip to determine the fetal part. Step 2 assesses the sides of the abdomen to identify the fetal back. Step 3 determines the presenting part and position. Step 4 confirms the presenting part and its mobility. This systematic approach helps determine the position of the fetus in the uterus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the specific purpose of Leopold's maneuver, which is primarily focused on assessing fetal presentation and position.