A woman in labor is receiving magnesium sulfate for preterm labor. What should the nurse monitor closely during this treatment?
- A. Deep tendon reflexes
- B. Respiratory rate
- C. Maternal blood pressure
- D. Fetal heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate can cause muscle weakness and respiratory depression due to its effect on the central nervous system. Monitoring deep tendon reflexes helps assess for magnesium toxicity. Respiratory rate (B) should also be monitored, but it is not the most critical parameter for magnesium sulfate. Maternal blood pressure (C) is important, but changes are usually gradual and not directly related to magnesium sulfate. Fetal heart rate (D) is crucial, but in this case, the focus should be on the mother's response to the medication.
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A pregnant patient is 28 weeks gestation and reports feeling nauseated. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the patient to drink ginger tea to alleviate nausea.
- B. Recommend the patient eat larger meals to prevent nausea.
- C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- D. Instruct the patient to avoid all foods and drinks until the nausea resolves.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals. This is the priority intervention because nausea during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, is common and can be alleviated by eating smaller, more frequent meals to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Ginger tea (A) may help with nausea, but ensuring proper nutrition through small, frequent meals is the priority. Recommending larger meals (B) can worsen nausea due to increased stomach distention. Instructing the patient to avoid all foods and drinks (D) is not appropriate as it can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
A nurse is assisting a postpartum person with breastfeeding. What is the most important factor for successful breastfeeding?
- A. frequent breastfeeding
- B. proper latch
- C. positioning
- D. administer oxytocin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: proper latch. A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding as it ensures the baby is effectively extracting milk from the breast, preventing nipple soreness and ensuring an adequate milk supply. Without a proper latch, the baby may not receive enough milk, leading to issues such as poor weight gain and frustration for both the baby and the person breastfeeding. Frequent breastfeeding (choice A) is important, but without a proper latch, it may not be effective. Positioning (choice C) is also important, but proper latch takes precedence. Administering oxytocin (choice D) is not necessary for successful breastfeeding and may have side effects.
When preparing to teach a class about prenatal development, the nurse would include information about folic acid supplementation. What is folic acid known to prevent?
- A. Congenital heart defects
- B. Neural tube defects
- C. Mental retardation
- D. Premature birth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is now known that folic acid supplements can prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports occasional dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse's most appropriate recommendation?
- A. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake and stand up slowly.
- B. Instruct the patient to lie down immediately and rest to prevent fainting.
- C. Advise the patient to avoid physical activity and rest as much as possible.
- D. Instruct the patient to take deep breaths and rise quickly to avoid dizziness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake and stand up slowly. This recommendation is appropriate because occasional dizziness when standing up can be due to postural hypotension common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake helps maintain blood volume, and standing up slowly prevents sudden drops in blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect as lying down immediately may not address the underlying issue. Choice C is incorrect as complete rest may not be necessary. Choice D is incorrect as rising quickly can worsen dizziness.
What advice should the nurse give regarding herbal supplements during pregnancy?
- A. Herbals are safe because they're natural
- B. Licorice and cat’s claw are safe
- C. The FDA has approved herbals for pregnancy
- D. Discuss everything with a healthcare provider
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Herbal supplements may pose risks during pregnancy, and their safety is not well-established. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential.