Nokea
A client at 32 weeks' gestation reports regular uterine contractions every 10 minutes. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer tocolytic medication as prescribed.
- B. Perform a sterile vaginal examination.
- C. Assess for cervical changes and fetal heart rate.
- D. Encourage ambulation to relieve discomfort.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing cervical changes and fetal heart rate is essential to determine whether the client is in preterm labor.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a client in the second stage of labor. What assessment indicates that birth is imminent?
- A. Cervix is dilated to 8 cm.
- B. Fetal head is crowning.
- C. Contractions every 3–5 minutes.
- D. Client reports back pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crowning occurs when the fetal head becomes visible at the vaginal opening, indicating that birth is imminent.
A pregnant woman tells the nurse-midwife, 'I've heard that if I eat certain foods during my pregnancy, the baby will be a boy.' The nurse-midwife should explain that this is a myth, and that the sex of the baby is determined at what time?
- A. At the time of ejaculation
- B. At the time of fertilization
- C. At the time of implantation
- D. At the time of differentiation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sex of a baby is determined at fertilization. Sperm cells carry either an X or Y chromosome, while the ovum only carries an X chromosome. If the sperm contributes an X chromosome, the baby will be female, and if it contributes a Y chromosome, the baby will be male.
The nurse is caring for a client at 38 weeks' gestation with suspected placental abruption. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Assess maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate.
- B. Prepare the client for immediate cesarean delivery.
- C. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
- D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing maternal and fetal status is the first step to determine the urgency and appropriate intervention.
A nurse is assessing a client in labor who has had epidural anesthesia for pain relief. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a complication from the epidural block?
- A. Vomiting
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Respiratory depression
- D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension as a common complication. This occurs because the local anesthetic affects the sympathetic nerves, leading to vasodilation and subsequent lowering of blood pressure. It is crucial for nurses to monitor the client's blood pressure closely and be prepared to administer IV fluids or medications to address the hypotension promptly. Vomiting, tachycardia, and respiratory depression are not typically associated with epidural anesthesia; therefore, hypotension is the most likely complication to be identified in this scenario.
A nurse on an antepartum unit is reviewing the medical records for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
- A. A client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 5.8%
- B. A client who has preeclampsia and a creatinine level of 1.1 mg/ dL
- C. A client who has hyperemesis gravidarum and a sodium level of 110 mEq/L
- D. A client who has placenta previa and a hematocrit of 36%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A client with hyperemesis gravidarum and a sodium level of 110 mEq/L is at risk for severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, particularly hyponatremia (low sodium level). Hyponatremia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, coma, and even death if not promptly addressed. Therefore, this client should be assessed first to prevent any potential life-threatening conditions. The nurse should prioritize interventions to address the electrolyte imbalance and dehydration in this client to ensure their safety and well-being.