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The nurse is caring for four postpartum clients. Which client should be the nurse’s priority for monitoring for uterine atony?
- A. Client who is 2 hours post-cesarean birth for a breech baby
- B. Client who delivered a macrosomic baby after a 12-hour labor
- C. Client who has a firm fundus after a vaginal delivery 4 hours ago
- D. Client receiving oxytocin intravenously for past 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although the client post—cesarean birth for a breech baby may be at risk for uterine atony and should be monitored, the client who delivered a macrosomic baby is more at risk. This client is the nurse’s priority for monitoring for uterine atony. A macrosomic baby stretches the client’s uterus, and thus the muscle fibers of the myometrium, beyond the usual pregnancy size. After delivery the muscles are unable to contract effectively. A firm fundus indicates that the client’s uterine muscles are contracting. Oxytocin (Pitocin) is being administered to increase uterine contractions. Although prolonged use of oxytocin can result in uterine exhaustion, two hours of use is not prolonged.
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Which nursing instruction is most appropriate regarding the relief of itchy skin during pregnancy?
- A. Take a hot bath daily.
- B. Increase fluid intake.
- C. Add a daily vitamin C tablet to the diet.
- D. Take diphenhydramine (Benadryl) twice per day.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake hydrates the skin, reducing itchiness, while hot baths or antihistamines may worsen symptoms or require medical approval.
The nurse notifies the HCP after feeling a pulsating mass during the vaginal examination of a newly admitted full-term pregnant client. Which HCP order should the nurse question?
- A. Prepare for possible cesarean section.
- B. Place the client in a knee-chest position.
- C. Initiate a low-dose oxytocin IV infusion.
- D. Give terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneously.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should question the administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). Oxytocin is used for stimulating contraction of the uterus. Uterine contractions can cause further umbilical cord compression. The pulsating mass indicates umbilical cord prolapse, which is a medical emergency. If vaginal birth is not imminent, a cesarean section is preferred in order to prevent hypoxic acidosis. Placing the client in a knee-chest position relieves pressure on the umbilical cord. Terbutaline (Brethine) is a tocolytic agent used to reduce contractions.
Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test can detect this defect.
- B. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test can detect this defect.
- C. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test can detect this defect.
- D. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test can detect this defect.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test screens for neural tube defects like spina bifida by measuring AFP levels.
The nurse correctly assists the client into which position?
- A. Lithotomy
- B. Prone
- C. Sims'
- D. Trendelenburg's
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The lithotomy position, with legs elevated and apart, is standard for pelvic examinations to provide access to the pelvic area.
The nurse is caring for the pregnant client. Which assessment findings help the nurse determine that she may be in true labor? Select all that apply.
- A. Progressive cervical dilation and effacement
- B. Walking usually increases contraction intensity
- C. Warm tub baths and rest lessen contractions
- D. Discomfort is usually in the client’s abdomen
- E. Contractions increase in duration and intensity
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Progressive cervical dilation and effacement indicate true labor. In false labor, the contractions may occur for several hours, but there is no cervical change. In true labor, walking usually increases the intensity of contractions. In false labor, walking usually has little or no effect on contractions and may sometimes decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of contractions. Contractions increase in duration and intensity during true labor, while there is usually no change in contractions during false labor. Warm tub baths and rest lessen contractions during false labor. In true labor, contractions do not decrease with warm tub baths or rest. Discomfort is usually in the client’s abdomen during false labor. Discomfort begins in the back and radiates around to the abdomen during true labor.