A woman in labor is diagnosed with preeclampsia. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Administer antihypertensive medications
- B. Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly
- C. Administer magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
- D. Perform an emergency cesarean section
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. This is the most important action because preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures. Magnesium sulfate is the first-line treatment to prevent seizures in preeclamptic patients. Administering antihypertensive medications (A) may be necessary to control blood pressure, but preventing seizures takes precedence. Monitoring blood pressure (B) is important but not the most critical action. Performing an emergency cesarean section (D) may be necessary in severe cases but is not the initial priority.
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A pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation reports feeling fatigued and lightheaded. What is the nurse's first priority action?
- A. Encourage the patient to rest and drink fluids.
- B. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of anemia.
- C. Administer iron supplements to alleviate fatigue.
- D. Instruct the patient to avoid any physical activity until symptoms subside.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure and assessing for signs of anemia is the first priority because fatigue and lightheadedness in pregnancy can be symptoms of anemia or other serious conditions. Anemia can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Encouraging rest and fluids (choice A) is important but should come after ruling out any potential serious conditions. Administering iron supplements (choice C) without proper assessment can be harmful if anemia is not the cause. Instructing the patient to avoid physical activity (choice D) without proper evaluation can delay necessary interventions.
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates effective teaching?
- A. I should avoid all carbohydrates to prevent gestational diabetes.
- B. I need to eat extra food for my baby to ensure proper growth.
- C. I will eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods and avoid processed foods.
- D. I can focus on eating as much protein as possible to support my baby's development.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because it emphasizes the importance of eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed foods. This approach ensures the pregnant patient receives essential nutrients for her health and the baby's development. Variety helps cover all necessary nutrients, while avoiding processed foods reduces the intake of unhealthy additives. This balanced diet promotes optimal health outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Avoiding all carbohydrates is not recommended as they are a vital energy source and cutting them out completely can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
B: Eating extra food indiscriminately can result in excessive weight gain and complications. The focus should be on nutrient-dense foods, not just quantity.
D: Focusing solely on protein neglects other important nutrients needed during pregnancy. A well-rounded diet is essential for overall health.
A patient who is about to undergo a cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress asks her nurse what kind of anesthesia would be best for her. The nurse explains that which of the following is the preferred method of anesthesia in this nonemergent case?
- A. Spinal block
- B. Epidural block
- C. General anesthesia
- D. Intravenous sedation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal block. In a non-emergent cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress, a spinal block is preferred due to its rapid onset, reliable anesthesia for surgical procedures, and minimal risk to the fetus. Spinal block provides adequate pain relief and muscle relaxation without affecting the mother's ability to breathe and interact with the newborn immediately after delivery.
Summary of other choices:
B: Epidural block - Epidural block may not provide a dense enough block for a cesarean section and might require more time to administer.
C: General anesthesia - General anesthesia poses more risks to both the mother and the fetus compared to regional anesthesia methods.
D: Intravenous sedation - Intravenous sedation may not provide sufficient anesthesia for a cesarean section and is not the preferred method for this type of surgery.
Which of the following skin changes should the nurse highlight for a pregnant woman’s health care practitioner?
- A. Linea nigra.
- B. Melasma.
- C. Petechiae.
- D. Spider nevi.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Petechiae (small hemorrhages under the skin) could indicate underlying medical conditions such as thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy, warranting further investigation. Linea nigra and melasma are common benign changes, while spider nevi are usually harmless but less urgent.
What is true about dizygotic twins?
- A. Fertilized egg divided rapidly
- B. Two ova were expelled
- C. Share one placenta
- D. Same sex and blood type
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dizygotic twins result from the fertilization of two separate ova, leading to genetically distinct siblings.