Nokea
The laboring client’s amniotic membranes have just ruptured. Which nursing action should be priority?
- A. Monitor maternal temperature.
- B. Inspect characteristics of the fluid.
- C. Perform a sterile vaginal examination.
- D. Assess the fetal heart rate pattern.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The priority nursing action is to assess the FHR pattern for several minutes immediately after membrane rupture to determine fetal well being. The umbilical cord may prolapse as a result of the rupture, causing life-threatening changes in the FHR. The maternal temperature should be monitored during labor and at least every two hours after the membranes rupture to assess for possible infection. However, this is not the priority nursing action. Characteristics of the fluid (color, odor, and estimated amount) should be assessed and documented after rupture, but this is not the priority at this time. A vaginal exam that assesses the progress of labor does need to be performed right after membrane rupture, but it is not the priority.
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When the client asks why folic acid is important, which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- B. Folic acid helps build strong bones for your baby.
- C. Folic acid helps your baby become resistant to infections.
- D. Folic acid prevents your baby from becoming anemic.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Folic acid is critical for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida by supporting early fetal development.
The RN and the student nurse are caring for the postpartum client who is 16 hours postdelivery. The RN evaluates that the student needs more education about uterine assessment when the student is observed doing which activity?
- A. Elevating the client’s head 30 degrees before doing the assessment
- B. Supporting the lower uterine segment during the assessment
- C. Gently palpating the uterine fundus for firmness and location
- D. Observing the abdomen before beginning palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For uterine assessment, the client should be positioned in a supine position so the height of the uterus is not influenced by an elevated position. When beginning the assessment, one hand should be placed at the base of the uterus just above the symphysis pubis to support the lower uterine segment. This prevents the inadvertent inversion of the uterus during palpation. Once the lower hand is in place, the fundus of the uterus can be gently palpated. The abdomen should be observed prior to palpation for contour to detect distention and for the appearance of striae or a diastasis.
The nurse teaches the client to report which postpartum symptom immediately?
- A. Mild cramping
- B. Foul-smelling lochia
- C. Light vaginal bleeding
- D. Fatigue after delivery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Foul-smelling lochia may indicate infection, requiring immediate reporting to prevent complications.
The pregnant client asks the nurse, who is teaching a prepared childbirth class, when she should expect to feel fetal movement. The nurse responds that fetal movement usually can first be felt during which time frame?
- A. 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy
- B. 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy
- C. 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy
- D. 22 to 26 weeks of pregnancy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subtle fetal movement (quickening) can be felt as early as 18 to 20 weeks of gestation, and it gradually increases in intensity. Eight to 12 weeks of pregnancy is too early to expect the first fetal movement to be felt. Twelve to 16 weeks of pregnancy is too early to expect the first fetal movement to be felt. Twenty-two to 26 weeks of pregnancy is later than expected to feel the first fetal movement.
The nurse is teaching the postpartum client, who is breastfeeding, about returning to sexual activity after vaginal delivery. Which statement should the nurse include?
- A. “Orgasm may decrease the amount of breast milk you produce.”
- B. “You may need to use lubrication when resuming sexual intercourse.”
- C. “You should not have sexual intercourse until two months postpartum.”
- D. “Your HCP will let you know when you can resume sexual activity.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxytocin is released when the client has an orgasm and may cause breast milk to leak or squirt from the breasts. The production of breast milk may increase, not decrease. The nurse should inform the client that she may need lubrication with sexual intercourse because the low estrogen levels in the early postpartum period causes vaginal dryness. Women should refrain from sexual intercourse until lochia has ceased, which usually takes about 3 weeks. There is no need to wait two months if the lochia has ceased. The client’s HCP does not need to give approval to return to sexual activity.