A woman in labor begins to experience severe lower abdominal pain and is found to have a ruptured uterus. What is the first intervention the nurse should perform?
- A. Administer intravenous fluids
- B. Prepare the patient for immediate surgery
- C. Perform a vaginal examination
- D. Administer pain relief medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare the patient for immediate surgery. In the case of a ruptured uterus, prompt surgical intervention is crucial to control bleeding, repair the uterus, and prevent further complications such as hemorrhage and infection. Performing surgery is the priority over other interventions like administering fluids, pain relief medications, or performing a vaginal examination, as these actions do not address the immediate life-threatening situation of uterine rupture. Administering IV fluids may be necessary during surgery, and pain relief can be addressed post-operatively. Vaginal examination is contraindicated in cases of suspected uterine rupture as it can exacerbate the bleeding and worsen the condition.
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A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about signs of labor. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should be concerned if I have regular contractions every 10 minutes.
- B. If I notice a bloody show, I should call my healthcare provider.
- C. The loss of my mucous plug means that labor is starting right away.
- D. If I experience my water breaking, I should go to the hospital immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The loss of the mucous plug does not necessarily indicate that labor is starting right away. It can happen days to weeks before labor begins. A: Regular contractions every 10 minutes suggest labor progression. B: A bloody show can indicate the onset of labor. D: Water breaking is a sign of labor and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the patient needs further teaching on the timing and significance of losing the mucous plug.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 26 weeks gestation and reports feeling dizzy when standing. What should the nurse recommend to the patient?
- A. Stand up slowly and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- B. Sit down immediately and rest for 10 minutes.
- C. Lie flat on your back to increase blood flow to the brain.
- D. Take deep breaths and elevate your legs while sitting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stand up slowly and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. When a pregnant patient feels dizzy when standing, it is likely due to postural hypotension. Standing up slowly helps prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness. Drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain adequate blood volume and prevents dehydration, another common cause of dizziness during pregnancy. Sitting down immediately (B) may help temporarily but does not address the underlying issue. Lying flat on the back (C) can worsen symptoms by putting pressure on the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the brain. Taking deep breaths and elevating legs (D) may not be effective in addressing postural hypotension.
During the third stage of labor, the nurse notes excessive bleeding. What should the nurse assess first?
- A. uterine tone
- B. placental separation
- C. vaginal bleeding
- D. cervical dilation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the correct answer is A: uterine tone. This is because assessing uterine tone is crucial in determining if the uterus is contracting effectively to control bleeding. If the uterus is not firm (boggy), it can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Placental separation (B) occurs during the third stage, but assessing uterine tone takes precedence. Vaginal bleeding (C) is a symptom of potential postpartum hemorrhage, which can be caused by poor uterine tone. Cervical dilation (D) is not a priority in this situation as the focus should be on controlling bleeding.
A nurse is preparing a laboring person for an emergency cesarean birth. What is the most important nursing intervention prior to the procedure?
- A. administer a preoperative medication
- B. administer pain relief
- C. administer an epidural block
- D. administer IV fluids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: administer a preoperative medication. This is crucial prior to an emergency cesarean birth to ensure the person is adequately prepared for the procedure. Preoperative medications can help reduce anxiety, prevent complications such as aspiration during anesthesia induction, and promote smooth recovery post-surgery. Administering pain relief (B) and epidural block (C) may be important for comfort but are not the priority in this urgent situation. Administering IV fluids (D) is generally important in preparation for surgery, but administering preoperative medication takes precedence in this scenario to ensure the person's safety and well-being during the emergency cesarean birth.
The nurse is monitoring her patient during labor and is aware that the only way to determine the objective measurement of uterine contractions is through the use of which modality?
- A. Tocodynamometer
- B. Fetal spiral electrode
- C. IUPC
- D. Palpation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: IUPC (Intrauterine Pressure Catheter). This modality is the only direct and objective measurement of uterine contractions as it provides continuous and precise readings of intrauterine pressure. A: Tocodynamometer measures frequency and duration, but not intensity. B: Fetal spiral electrode monitors fetal heart rate, not uterine contractions. D: Palpation is subjective and not as accurate as IUPC for measuring uterine contractions.