During the third trimester of pregnancy, which of the following findings should a nurse recognize as an expected physiologic change?
- A. Gradual lordosis
- B. Increased abdominal muscle tone
- C. Posterior neck flexion
- D. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gradual lordosis. During the third trimester, the growing uterus shifts the center of gravity forward, leading to an increased lumbar curvature known as lordosis. This change helps maintain balance and support the extra weight. Increased abdominal muscle tone (B) is not an expected finding as abdominal muscles tend to stretch and weaken during pregnancy. Posterior neck flexion (C) is not a common physiologic change during the third trimester. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints (D) is incorrect as hormonal changes during pregnancy actually increase flexibility in the pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth.
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A healthcare provider is assessing a newborn 1 hr after birth. Which of the following respiratory rates is within the expected reference range for a newborn?
- A. 22/min
- B. 48/min
- C. 100/min
- D. 110/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 48/min. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is typically between 30-60 breaths per minute. It is important to assess a newborn's respiratory rate to ensure proper oxygenation. Option A (22/min) is too low, while options C (100/min) and D (110/min) are too high and could indicate respiratory distress or other issues that need immediate attention. Therefore, option B falls within the expected reference range and is the correct answer for a healthy newborn assessment.
During ambulation to the bathroom, a postpartum client experiences a gush of dark red blood that soon stops. On data collection, a nurse finds the uterus to be firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. Which of the following findings should the nurse interpret this data as being?
- A. Evidence of a possible vaginal hematoma
- B. An indication of a cervical or perineal laceration
- C. A normal postpartum discharge of lochia
- D. Abnormally excessive lochia rubra flow
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A normal postpartum discharge of lochia. This finding indicates a normal postpartum process. Lochia is the vaginal discharge after childbirth consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. The gush of dark red blood followed by cessation is typical of lochia rubra, the initial stage of postpartum bleeding. The firm, midline, and well-positioned uterus indicates proper involution. Choices A and B are incorrect as the firm uterus rules out hematoma or laceration. Choice D is incorrect as the amount of bleeding described is within the normal range for postpartum lochia.
A client is exhibiting tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and a feeling of letdown after childbirth. Which of the following conditions is associated with these manifestations?
- A. Postpartum fatigue
- B. Postpartum psychosis
- C. Letting-go phase
- D. Postpartum blues
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Postpartum blues. This temporary condition occurs in the first few days after childbirth and is characterized by symptoms like tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and feeling letdown. Here's the rationale:
1. Postpartum blues are common and typically resolve within a few days to a week postpartum.
2. The symptoms mentioned align with the typical presentation of postpartum blues, which includes mood swings, irritability, and crying spells.
3. Postpartum fatigue (choice A) is a general symptom post-childbirth but does not specifically encompass the emotional and psychological symptoms described.
4. Postpartum psychosis (choice B) is a severe condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, which are not present in the client's presentation.
5. Letting-go phase (choice C) refers to the process of detachment from the pregnancy and accepting the reality of the newborn, but it does not encompass the specific symptoms described in
A nurse concludes that the parent of a newborn is not showing positive indications of parent-infant bonding. The parent appears very anxious and nervous when asked to bring the newborn to the other parent. Which of the following actions should the nurse use to promote parent-infant bonding?
- A. Hand the parent the newborn and suggest that they change the diaper.
- B. Ask the parent why they are so anxious and nervous.
- C. Tell the parent that they will grow accustomed to the newborn.
- D. Provide reinforcement about infant care when the parent is present.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because providing reinforcement about infant care when the parent is present can help build the parent's confidence and competence in caring for the newborn, which can enhance parent-infant bonding. By offering support and guidance during interactions with the newborn, the parent can feel more comfortable and connected to the baby.
A: Handing the parent the newborn and suggesting they change the diaper may increase their anxiety and not address the underlying issue of bonding.
B: Asking the parent why they are anxious and nervous is important but may not directly promote bonding without providing concrete support.
C: Telling the parent they will grow accustomed to the newborn does not actively support bonding or address the parent's current concerns.
In summary, choice D is the best option as it provides practical assistance and positive reinforcement to help the parent feel more confident in caring for the newborn, ultimately fostering parent-infant bonding.
A nurse on a labor unit is admitting a client who reports painful contractions. The nurse determines that the contractions have a duration of 1 minute and a frequency of 3 minutes. The nurse obtains the following vital signs: fetal heart rate 130/min, maternal heart rate 128/min, and maternal blood pressure 92/54 mm Hg. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?
- A. Notify the provider of the findings.
- B. Position the client with one hip elevated.
- C. Ask the client if she needs pain medication.
- D. Have the client void.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the client with one hip elevated. This is the priority action because the client's contractions are frequent and of significant duration, indicating active labor. Elevating one hip can help improve fetal oxygenation and blood flow during contractions. It can also help optimize fetal positioning for a smoother labor process.
Choice A: Notifying the provider is important but not the priority at this moment. The nurse should first address immediate client needs.
Choice C: Asking about pain medication is important, but managing the client's positioning for labor progress takes precedence.
Choice D: Having the client void is a routine step in labor management but is not the priority action in this scenario.