Nokea
The client is hospitalized at 30 weeks’ gestation in preterm labor. A test is performed to determine the lecithin to sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio, with results indicating a ratio less than 2:1. The nurse planning care for the client should expect to implement which interventions? Select all that apply.
- A. Administering hydralazine
- B. Maintaining the client on bedrest
- C. Preparing the client for a nonstress test
- D. Giving betamethasone
- E. Administering metronidazole
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Bed rest will maximize placental oxygenation while fetal lung maturity continues. The client should be prepared for a nonstress test. This is used to monitor for uterine contractions and labor. Labor needs to be stopped until the fetal lungs are more fully developed. Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) is a corticosteroid and is given to stimulate fetal lung maturity. Hydralazine (Apresoline) is an antihypertensive agent and is administered to clients experiencing preeclampsia, not preterm labor. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent used to treat a vaginal infection; there is no indication that the client has a vaginal infection.
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The nurse is caring for the client with mild preeclampsia. The nurse should monitor for which complications associated with mild preeclampsia? Select all that apply.
- A. Placental abruption
- B. Hyperbilirubinemia
- C. Nonreassuring fetal status
- D. Severe preeclampsia
- E. Gestational diabetes
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Placental abruption can occur as a complication of preeclampsia due to hypoperfusion of the placenta and endothelial injury. Hyperbilirubinemia can occur as a complication of preeclampsia due to hypoperfusion to the liver. Nonreassuring fetal status can occur as a complication of preeclampsia due to hypoperfusion to the placenta. Severe preeclampsia can occur as a complication of preeclampsia if the BP remains uncontrolled. Gestational diabetes is not associated with preeclampsia.
The postpartum client, who is 24 hours post—vaginal birth and breastfeeding, asks the nurse when she can begin exercising to regain her prepregnancy body shape. Which response by the nurse is correct?
- A. “Simple abdominal and pelvic exercises can begin right now.”
- B. “You will need to wait until after your 6-week postpartum checkup.”
- C. “Once your lochia has stopped, you can begin exercising.”
- D. “You should not exercise while you are breastfeeding.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: On the first postpartum day, the client should be taught to start abdominal breathing and pelvic rocking. Kegel exercises, which should have been taught during pregnancy, should be continued. Simple exercises should be added daily until, by 2 to 3 weeks postpartum, the mother should be able to do sit-ups and leg raises. Abdominal and pelvic exercises can begin right away and not wait for the 6-week postpartum checkup. There is no reason for the client to wait until the lochia has stopped before beginning exercises. There is no reason that a breastfeeding mother should not begin abdominal and pelvic exercises now.
The nurse is caring for four postpartum clients. Which client should be the nurse’s priority for monitoring for uterine atony?
- A. Client who is 2 hours post-cesarean birth for a breech baby
- B. Client who delivered a macrosomic baby after a 12-hour labor
- C. Client who has a firm fundus after a vaginal delivery 4 hours ago
- D. Client receiving oxytocin intravenously for past 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although the client post—cesarean birth for a breech baby may be at risk for uterine atony and should be monitored, the client who delivered a macrosomic baby is more at risk. This client is the nurse’s priority for monitoring for uterine atony. A macrosomic baby stretches the client’s uterus, and thus the muscle fibers of the myometrium, beyond the usual pregnancy size. After delivery the muscles are unable to contract effectively. A firm fundus indicates that the client’s uterine muscles are contracting. Oxytocin (Pitocin) is being administered to increase uterine contractions. Although prolonged use of oxytocin can result in uterine exhaustion, two hours of use is not prolonged.
Which nursing instruction is most appropriate regarding the relief of itchy skin during pregnancy?
- A. Take a hot bath daily.
- B. Increase fluid intake.
- C. Add a daily vitamin C tablet to the diet.
- D. Take diphenhydramine (Benadryl) twice per day.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake hydrates the skin, reducing itchiness, while hot baths or antihistamines may worsen symptoms or require medical approval.
Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test can detect this defect.
- B. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test can detect this defect.
- C. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test can detect this defect.
- D. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test can detect this defect.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test screens for neural tube defects like spina bifida by measuring AFP levels.