What is the primary nursing concern for a mother receiving magnesium sulfate therapy?
- A. Monitor blood pressure every 4 hours
- B. Monitor deep tendon reflexes hourly
- C. Assess respiratory rate and effort
- D. Prepare for delivery if signs of toxicity appear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring reflexes detects early signs of magnesium toxicity.
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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 nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has phenylketonuria. Which of the following suggested foods should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. A peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread.
- B. A sliced apple and red grapes.
- C. A chocolate chip cookie with a glass of skim milk.
- D. A scrambled egg with cheddar cheese.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder where the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein-containing foods. Patients with PKU need to follow a strict low-phenylalanine diet to prevent the buildup of phenylalanine in the body. Fruits like apples and grapes are low in protein and contain minimal phenylalanine, making them suitable choices for individuals with PKU. The other options listed contain higher amounts of protein and phenylalanine, such as peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies, milk, scrambled eggs, and cheese, which should be avoided by individuals with PKU.
A patient's newborn is neurologically impaired. The most important nursing action should be:
- A. Assist the patient and her family with the grieving process.
- B. Perform neurological assessments of the newborn every four hours.
- C. Arrange for social services to discuss possible placement of the newborn
- D. Obtain an order for an antidepressant to help the patient cope with the depressing news.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient's newborn is neurologically impaired is to assist the patient and her family with the grieving process. This situation can be extremely emotionally challenging for the parents and family as they come to terms with the newborn's condition. Providing support, empathy, and resources for coping with the grief is essential in helping the family navigate this difficult time. By being present, listening, and offering comfort, the nurse can help the family process their emotions and begin to cope with the situation. This support is crucial in promoting the overall well-being of the family as they adjust to the new reality of caring for a neurologically impaired newborn.
The nurse is educating a client about exercises during pregnancy. What activity should be avoided?
- A. Swimming.
- B. Walking.
- C. Contact sports.
- D. Prenatal yoga.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contact sports pose a risk of trauma to the mother and fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy.
A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action following this procedure?
- A. Observe color and consistency of fluid.
- B. Assess the fetal heart rate pattern.
- C. Assess the client's temperature.
- D. Evaluate client for the presence of chills and increased uterine tenderness using palpation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing action following an amniotomy (rupture of the amniotic sac) is to assess the fetal heart rate pattern. This is crucial to monitor for any signs of fetal distress or complications that may arise after the procedure. Changes in the fetal heart rate pattern can indicate the need for interventions to ensure the well-being of the fetus. Observing the color and consistency of the amniotic fluid, assessing the client's temperature, and evaluating for the presence of chills and increased uterine tenderness are also important assessments following amniotomy, but assessing the fetal heart rate takes precedence in this situation to ensure the safety of the fetus.