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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The nurse assesses the client in her third trimester with suspected placenta previa. Which finding should the nurse associate with placenta previa?
- A. Cervix is 100% effaced
- B. Painless vaginal bleeding
- C. The fetal lie is transverse
- D. Absence of fetal movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In placenta previa, the abnormal location of the placenta causes painless, bright red vaginal bleeding as the lower uterine segment stretches and thins. The nurse should not perform a vaginal examination to determine effacement on the client with suspected placenta previa. The lie of the fetus is not associated with placenta previa. An absence of fetal movement is always cause for concern but is not a primary symptom of placenta previa.
The experienced nurse is observing the new nurse determine the fetal position of the pregnant client using Leopold maneuver. The experienced nurse determines that the new nurse correctly identifies the first Leopold maneuver when placing the hands in which position illustrated first?
- A. Image A
- B. Image B
- C. Image C
- D. Image D
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This illustration shows the first step of Leopold’s maneuver. The nurse palpates the fundus to determine which fetal body part (e.g., head or buttocks) occupies the uterine fundus. Image A shows the fourth Leopold maneuver. The nurse’s fingertips are used to determine the location of the cephalic prominence. Image C shows the third Leopold maneuver (“Pawlik maneuver”). During this maneuver the fetal part in the fundal region is compared with the part in the lower uterine segment. It is completed primarily to confirm that the fetus is in a cephalic (head) presentation. Image D shows the second Leopold maneuver. The second maneuver determines the location of the fetal back or spine.
Which nursing instructions concerning exercise during pregnancy are accurate? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid exercising during hot, humid weather.
- B. Avoid exercises involving bouncing or jumping movements.
- C. Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercising.
- D. Limit strenuous activity to no more than 60 minutes a session.
- E. Perform exercises only in the supine position.
- F. Limit exercising to once per week.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Exercising in hot weather risks overheating, bouncing movements may strain joints, and hydration is crucial. Supine exercises are avoided late in pregnancy.
The nurse is caring for the 30-weeks-pregnant client who is having contractions every 1½ to 2 minutes with spontaneous rupture of membranes 2 hours ago. Her cervix is 8 cm dilated and 100% effaced. The nurse determines that delivery is imminent. What intervention is the most important at this time?
- A. Administering a tocolytic agent
- B. Providing teaching information on premature infant care
- C. Notifying neonatology of the impending birth
- D. Preparing for a cesarean section birth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most important intervention is to notify the neonatal team of the delivery because the team members will be needed for respiratory support and possible resuscitation. Tocolytic agents, such as nifedipine (Procardia), can be used for short-term intervention to slow down contractions and delay birth, but it is too late to administer a tocolytic agent. Teaching is important but is not appropriate at this time. A cesarean birth is indicated if there are other obstetrical needs.
The client expresses concerns related to nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. Which recommendation should the nurse make?
- A. Eat crackers while still in bed in the morning.
- B. Lie down and rest whenever nausea occurs.
- C. Eat more frequently throughout the day.
- D. Avoid food items containing ginger.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to eat dry crackers before rising from bed. This typically relieves some of the nausea. Lying down when the nausea occurs may increase heartburn and reflux, thereby increasing nausea. Eating frequently may increase heartburn and reflux, thereby increasing nausea. Food items with ginger may help to alleviate nausea and are recommended (rather than avoided), including ginger tea.
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