The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. Which laboratory value is most likely to be elevated?
- A. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- B. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- C. Estriol
- D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gestational trophoblastic disease (e.g. molar pregnancy) causes markedly elevated hCG levels due to abnormal trophoblastic tissue growth. AFP estriol and progesterone are not typically elevated in this condition.
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A client with a diagnosis of C-4 injury has been stabilized and is ready for discharge. Because this client is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia, he and his family should be instructed to assess for and report:
- A. Dizziness and tachypnea
- B. Circumoral pallor and lightheadedness
- C. Headache and facial flushing
- D. Pallor and itching of the face and neck
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is an exaggerated reflex of the autonomic nervous system causing vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure, often presenting with headache and facial flushing. The other symptoms listed are not associated with this condition.
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of postpartum endometritis. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Administer antibiotics
- B. Monitor fetal heart tones
- C. Prepare for cesarean delivery
- D. Administer tocolytics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Postpartum endometritis is treated with antibiotics to address the uterine infection. Fetal heart tones are irrelevant postpartum cesarean delivery is not indicated and tocolytics are for preterm labor.
A client is placed on lithium therapy for her manic-depressive illness. When monitoring the client, the nurse assesses the laboratory blood values. Toxicity may occur with lithium therapy when the blood level is above:
- A. 1.0 mEq/L
- B. 2.2 mEq/L
- C. 0.03 mEq/L
- D. 1.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This value is the level at which most clients are maintained, and toxicity may occur if the level increases. The client should be monitored closely for symptoms, because some clients become toxic even at this level.
Which obstetrical client is most likely to have an infant with respiratory distress syndrome?
- A. A 28-year-old with a history of alcohol use during the pregnancy
- B. A 24-year-old with a history of diabetes mellitus
- C. A 30-year-old with a history of smoking during the pregnancy
- D. A 32-year-old with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maternal diabetes increases the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome due to impaired surfactant production from hyperglycemia. Alcohol, smoking, and hypertension are less directly linked.
A 19-year-old primigravida is admitted to the labor and delivery suite of the hospital. Her husband is accompanying her. The couple tells the nurse that this is the first hospital admission for her. The client's vaginal exam indicates she is 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and at -0 station. Based on the vaginal exam, she is in:
- A. Stage 2, latent phase
- B. Stage 1, active phase
- C. Stage 3, transition phase
- D. Stage 1, latent phase
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The second stage of labor is from full cervical dilation through birth of the baby. The three phases of this stage include latency or resting, descent, and final transition. The client is less than fully dilated so she is not in stage 2. The first stage of labor begins with regular uterine contractions and continues until the woman is 10 cm dilated. The three phases of this stage include the early or latent phase (0-3 cm), the active phase (4-7 cm), and the transitional phase (7-10 cm). The client is <4 cm dilated so she is in the latent phase of the first stage of labor. The third stage of labor is from the birth of the baby until the delivery of the placenta. The client is less than fully dilated. The first stage of labor begins with regular uterine contractions and continues until the woman is 10 cm dilated. The three phases of this stage include the early or latent phase (0-3 cm), the active phase (4-7 cm), and the transitional phase (7-10 cm). The client is <4 cm dilated so she is in the latent phase of the first stage of labor.
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