The doctor suspects that the client is in preterm labor. Which symptom is consistent with this diagnosis?
- A. Severe pain in the lower quadrant
- B. Severe pain and hard abdomen to palpation
- C. Painless vaginal bleeding
- D. Abdominal cramping and lower back pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Abdominal cramping and lower back pain. These symptoms are typical of preterm labor due to the contractions of the uterus. Lower back pain is a common sign of labor, and abdominal cramping is indicative of uterine contractions. Severe pain in the lower quadrant (A) is more consistent with issues like appendicitis. Severe pain and hard abdomen (B) may indicate a more serious condition like placental abruption. Painless vaginal bleeding (C) is more characteristic of conditions like placenta previa. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate in the context of suspected preterm labor.
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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 may indicate pulmonary edema. This condition occurs due to fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to symptoms like coughing. The increased blood volume and pressure during pregnancy can exacerbate the client's existing heart condition, resulting in pulmonary edema. Orthopnea (choice A) is difficulty breathing when lying flat, not specifically related to coughing. Anemia (choice C) may cause fatigue and weakness but is not typically associated with a nonproductive cough. Decreased blood volume (choice D) would not directly lead to a nonproductive cough on minimal exertion.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 32 weeks gestation who comes to the emergency department for painful bleeding. Which is the priority nursing assessment?
- A. Monitor for contractions
- B. Assess pain level
- C. Assess for hemorrhage
- D. Provide emotional support
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct priority nursing assessment in this scenario is to assess for hemorrhage (Choice C). This is crucial because painful bleeding in a client at 32 weeks gestation could indicate a potential life-threatening situation such as placental abruption or placenta previa. Assessing for hemorrhage involves checking the amount and type of bleeding, vital signs, and signs of shock. It is essential to identify and address hemorrhage promptly to prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Monitoring for contractions (Choice A) is important but assessing for hemorrhage takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses. Assessing the pain level (Choice B) is secondary to assessing for hemorrhage in this case. Providing emotional support (Choice D) is important but should come after ensuring the client's physical well-being is addressed.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 32 weeks gestation who comes to the emergency department for painful bleeding. Which is the priority nursing assessment?
- A. Monitor for contractions
- B. Assess pain level
- C. Assess for hemorrhage
- D. Provide emotional support
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess for hemorrhage. This is the priority assessment as the client is experiencing painful bleeding, indicating a potential hemorrhage which can be life-threatening. Assessing for hemorrhage will help identify the severity of the situation and guide immediate interventions. Monitoring for contractions (choice A) is important but assessing for hemorrhage takes precedence. Assessing pain level (choice B) is important but addressing the potential hemorrhage is more critical. Providing emotional support (choice D) is important but should come after addressing the urgent medical need of assessing for hemorrhage.
A client who is 30 weeks pregnant comes into the labor and delivery unit complaining of having a gush of fluid come from her vagina. Which complication is this client at risk for?
- A. Infection
- B. Fluid volume deficit
- C. Hypotension
- D. Decreased urinary output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume deficit. When a pregnant client at 30 weeks experiences a gush of fluid from the vagina, it may indicate ruptured membranes leading to amniotic fluid leakage. This can lead to a decrease in amniotic fluid volume, potentially causing fluid volume deficit for both the mother and the fetus. This can result in complications such as preterm labor, infection, and fetal distress. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Infection is a potential risk due to the ruptured membranes, but the immediate concern is fluid volume deficit.
C: Hypotension is not directly related to the scenario described.
D: Decreased urinary output is not a typical immediate concern with ruptured membranes; rather, the focus should be on assessing for signs of fluid loss and ensuring hydration.
The nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which should the nurse monitor closely because of her diagnosis?
- A. Edema
- B. Blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
- C. Urine for glucose and ketones
- D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urine for glucose and ketones. In gestational diabetes, monitoring urine for glucose and ketones is crucial to assess blood sugar control and ketosis. Glucose in urine indicates hyperglycemia, and ketones indicate inadequate insulin and potential ketoacidosis. Monitoring edema (choice A) is not specific to gestational diabetes. Blood pressure, pulse, and respiration (choice B) are important but not specific to gestational diabetes. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit (choice D) does not directly reflect blood sugar control in gestational diabetes.