While caring for a newborn, a nurse auscultates an apical heart rate of 130/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask another nurse to verify the heart rate.
- B. Document this as an expected finding.
- C. Call the provider to further assess the newborn.
- D. Prepare the newborn for transport to the NICU.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Document this as an expected finding. A heart rate of 130/min in a newborn is within the normal range (120-160/min). The nurse should document this as an expected finding because it indicates a healthy heart rate for a newborn. There is no immediate need for intervention or further assessment as the heart rate falls within the normal range for a newborn. Asking another nurse to verify the heart rate (choice A) is unnecessary as it is within the normal range. Calling the provider to further assess the newborn (choice C) is not needed since the heart rate is normal. Preparing the newborn for transport to the NICU (choice D) is not indicated as the heart rate is within the normal range.
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A nurse is caring for several clients. The nurse should recognize that it is safe to administer tocolytic therapy to which of the following clients?
- A. A client who is experiencing fetal death at 32 weeks of gestation
- B. A client who is experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation
- C. A client who is experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions at 36 weeks of gestation
- D. A client who has a post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks of gestation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
1. Tocolytic therapy is used to delay preterm labor and prevent premature birth.
2. Administering tocolytic therapy at 26 weeks of gestation allows time for corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity.
3. Delaying labor at this stage can improve neonatal outcomes.
4. Other choices are incorrect because tocolytic therapy is not indicated for fetal death, Braxton-Hicks contractions, or post-term pregnancy.
A client is scheduled for a cesarean birth based on fetal lung maturity. Which finding indicates that the fetal lungs are mature?
- A. Absence of Phosphatidylglycerol (PG)
- B. Biophysical profile score of 8
- C. Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1
- D. Reactive nonstress test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1. This ratio indicates fetal lung maturity as it signifies adequate production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, essential for proper lung function after birth. Absence of Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (Choice A) indicates immaturity, Biophysical profile score of 8 (Choice B) assesses overall fetal well-being, not lung maturity, and Reactive nonstress test (Choice D) evaluates fetal well-being, not lung maturity. The L/S ratio of 2:1 is the most reliable indicator of fetal lung maturity.
A client who underwent an amniotomy is now in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement with this client?
- A. Maintain the client in the lithotomy position.
- B. Perform vaginal examinations frequently.
- C. Remind the client to bear down with each contraction.
- D. Encourage the client to empty her bladder every 2 hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Encourage the client to empty her bladder every 2 hours. This is important to prevent bladder distention, which can impede fetal descent and progression of labor. A: Maintaining the client in the lithotomy position is unnecessary and may be uncomfortable. B: Performing frequent vaginal examinations increases the risk of infection and should be minimized. C: Reminding the client to bear down with each contraction is not appropriate during the active phase of the first stage of labor as it can lead to exhaustion and prolonged labor.
A client is in the first trimester of pregnancy and lacks immunity to rubella. When should the client receive rubella immunization?
- A. Shortly after giving birth
- B. In the third trimester
- C. Immediately
- D. During the next attempt to get pregnant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Rubella immunization should be given shortly after giving birth to prevent any potential harm to the fetus during pregnancy. Immunization during pregnancy is contraindicated to avoid any risk of harm to the developing baby. Option B is incorrect as immunization in the third trimester can still pose a risk to the fetus. Option C is incorrect as immediate immunization during pregnancy is not recommended. Option D is incorrect as waiting until the next attempt to get pregnant does not protect the current fetus.
A client reports unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hours following a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Apply an ice pack to the affected area.
- B. Offer a warm sitz bath.
- C. Provide a squeeze bottle of antiseptic solution.
- D. Place a hot pack on the perineum.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Ice helps reduce inflammation and numb the pain, providing relief for the client. Step 1: Ice constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and pain. Step 2: Ice numbs the area, providing immediate relief. Step 3: Ice is recommended for acute pain management. Summary: B (warm sitz bath) may increase blood flow and exacerbate swelling. C (antiseptic solution) is not indicated for pain relief. D (hot pack) may worsen inflammation and pain.