The nurse is preparing a client for induction of labor. What is the primary purpose of administering oxytocin?
- A. Enhance cervical dilation.
- B. Increase maternal blood pressure.
- C. Strengthen uterine contractions.
- D. Prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxytocin is used to stimulate uterine contractions to induce or augment labor.
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The nurse is providing instructions to a pregnant client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis. What instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Strict bed rest is required after the procedure.
- B. Hospitalization is necessary for 24 hours after the procedure.
- C. An informed consent needs to be signed before the procedure.
- D. A fever is expected after the procedure because of the trauma to the abdomen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Informed consent is essential before an invasive procedure like amniocentesis. Monitoring post-procedure symptoms is also crucial.
The nurse is caring for a client whose labor is being augmented with Pitocin. He or she recognizes that Pitocin should be stopped immediately if there is evidence of what?
- A. Fetal HR 180 without sense of variability
- B. Rupture of amniotic membrane
- C. Client needs to void
- D. Uterine contractions q8-10 minutes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pitocin is a medication commonly used to induce or augment labor by stimulating uterine contractions. It is critical for the nurse to monitor the client closely for potential adverse effects. Fetal distress is a serious concern when Pitocin is being administered. A fetal heart rate of 180 beats per minute without variability may indicate fetal distress due to uteroplacental insufficiency. This is a sign of fetal hypoxia and warrants immediate intervention, including stopping the infusion of Pitocin, repositioning the mother, administering oxygen, and notifying the healthcare provider. It is crucial for the nurse to act promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of both the fetus and the mother.
The nurse assigned to the care of newborn infants understands the importance of keeping these infants swaddled in a warm blanket to prevent heat loss. Why is this important in the care of the newborn?
- A. Chilling leads to increased heat production and greater oxygen needs.
- B. The newborn's metabolic rate is decreased.
- C. Evaporation will affect the newborn's ability to feed.
- D. The newborn will sleep more comfortably.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Swaddling newborn infants in a warm blanket is important to prevent heat loss (hypothermia) because when babies become chilled, they must produce more heat to maintain a normal body temperature. This increased heat production leads to higher oxygen needs, which can be detrimental to newborns who may already have limited reserves. Therefore, keeping newborn infants swaddled in a warm blanket helps to maintain their body temperature within a normal range and prevents unnecessary stress on their bodies.
A client at 12 weeks' gestation asks why folic acid is important during pregnancy. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. It helps prevent gestational diabetes.
- B. It promotes fetal brain development.
- C. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
- D. It increases maternal energy levels.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid is essential during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.
The nurse is reviewing a prenatal client's record and notes a diagnosis of oligohydramnios. What complication is associated with this condition?
- A. Preterm labor.
- B. Fetal growth restriction.
- C. Cord prolapse.
- D. Placenta previa.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid levels, is often associated with fetal growth restriction.