During an assessment of a client at 32 weeks gestation with a history of congenital ventral septal defect, a nurse notes that the client is experiencing a nonproductive cough on minimal exertion. The nurse knows that this assessment finding may indicate which of the following?
- A. Orthopnea
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Anemia
- D. Decreased blood volume
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary edema. A nonproductive cough on minimal exertion in a pregnant client with a history of congenital ventral septal defect suggests pulmonary edema. This is due to fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to coughing. Pulmonary edema can occur due to increased blood volume and pressure on the heart during pregnancy, exacerbating the client's pre-existing heart condition. Orthopnea (choice A) is difficulty breathing while lying flat, not specifically related to coughing. Anemia (choice C) may cause fatigue and weakness but is not directly linked to a nonproductive cough. Decreased blood volume (choice D) is unlikely in a pregnant client and would not explain the cough.
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The nurse is caring for a woman who is suspected of having chorioamnionitis. Which of the following are risk factors for chorioamnionitis? Select all that apply.
- A. Changing cat litter
- B. Frequent vaginal examination during labor
- C. Gestational diabetes
- D. Preterm premature rupture of the membranes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (A): Changing cat litter exposes the woman to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite associated with chorioamnionitis. It is a known risk factor as the infection can spread to the fetus.
Summary of incorrect choices:
B (Frequent vaginal examination during labor): This does not directly increase the risk of chorioamnionitis.
C (Gestational diabetes): While gestational diabetes can have other complications, it is not a direct risk factor for chorioamnionitis.
D (Preterm premature rupture of the membranes): While this can increase the risk of infection, it is not a specific risk factor for chorioamnionitis.
The nurse is monitoring a woman with signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Which does the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Importance of performing daily fetal movement counts
- B. Need to refrain from putting any objects in the vagina
- C. Need to take a daily stool softener
- D. The need to decrease fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Need to refrain from putting any objects in the vagina. This is important to prevent irritating the cervix and potentially triggering preterm labor. Putting objects in the vagina can introduce bacteria, leading to infection, which can increase the risk of preterm labor. Option A is important for monitoring fetal well-being but not directly related to preventing preterm labor. Option C is not relevant to preterm labor. Option D is incorrect as hydration is important in preventing preterm labor.
The labor and delivery nurse reviews a client’s prenatal records and notes that the client had a positive GBS culture at 27 weeks gestation. Based on current guidelines, what is the recommended plan?
- A. Send a GBS to the laboratory immediately
- B. Prepare to administer penicillin prophylactically
- C. Determine if a follow-up culture was done at 38 weeks gestation
- D. Determine if the patient received antibiotics for the positive strep
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare to administer penicillin prophylactically. This is the recommended plan because current guidelines suggest administering intrapartum prophylaxis with penicillin for GBS-positive pregnant women to prevent neonatal GBS disease. Choice A is incorrect because sending a GBS to the laboratory immediately is unnecessary since the previous positive culture result is already known. Choice C is incorrect because follow-up cultures are not routinely recommended at 38 weeks gestation. Choice D is incorrect because determining if the patient received antibiotics for the positive strep does not address the need for intrapartum prophylaxis specifically with penicillin.
The nurse is caring for a woman with a history of a previous preterm birth. Based on current knowledge related to cervical incompetency, which should the nurse do?
- A. Prepare the woman for an abdominal ultrasound
- B. Place the patient on her left side to increase perfusion to the fetus
- C. Be prepared to discuss the action and side effects of progesterone
- D. Monitor the patient’s blood pressure closely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because progesterone is recommended for women with a history of preterm birth due to cervical incompetency. Progesterone helps to reduce the risk of another preterm birth by supporting the cervix and preventing it from opening too early. It is important for the nurse to discuss the action and side effects of progesterone with the patient to ensure informed decision-making.
Choice A is incorrect as an abdominal ultrasound is not directly related to managing cervical incompetency. Choice B is incorrect as positioning the patient on her left side does not address the issue of cervical incompetency. Choice D is also incorrect as monitoring blood pressure is not the primary intervention for managing cervical incompetency in this case.
A nurse has just completed an assessment on a client with mild pre-eclampsia. Which data indicate that her pre-eclampsia is worsening?
- A. Blood pressure of 155/95
- B. Urinary output is greater than 30 mL/hr
- C. Deep tendon reflexes +2
- D. Client complains of blurred vision
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Blood pressure of 155/95) because an elevated blood pressure indicates worsening pre-eclampsia. In pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure is a key indicator of worsening condition, potentially leading to eclampsia or seizures if left untreated. Choices B (Urinary output is greater than 30 mL/hr), C (Deep tendon reflexes +2), and D (Client complains of blurred vision) are not indicative of worsening pre-eclampsia. Increased urinary output, normal deep tendon reflexes, and blurred vision are common symptoms in pre-eclampsia, but they do not necessarily signify worsening of the condition.