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.
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The 22-year-old client tells the clinic nurse that her last menstrual period was 3 months ago, which began on November 21. She has a positive urine pregnancy test. Using Naegele’s rule, which date should the nurse calculate to be the client’s estimated date of confinement (EDC)?
- A. August 28
- B. January 28
- C. August 15
- D. January 15
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele’s rule is a common method to determine the EDC. To calculate the EDC, subtract 3 months and add 7 days. This makes the EDC August 28. An EDC of January 28 was calculated by adding 2 months and 7 days. An EDC of August 15 was calculated by subtracting 3 months and 6 days. An EDC of January 15 was calculated by adding 2 months and subtracting 6 days.
The client presents with vaginal bleeding at 7 weeks. Which action should be taken by the nurse first?
- A. Take the client’s vital signs
- B. Prepare examination equipment
- C. Give 2 liters oxygen per nasal cannula
- D. Assess the client’s response to the situation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the client’s VS should be completed first. Bleeding can cause hypotension. Although preparing examination equipment is important, the nurse should first focus on the client. Having oxygen available is important, but there is no indication that the client needs oxygen at this time. Assessing the client’s response is important, but assessment of physiological problems should occur first.
The nurse identifies which sign as indicative of postpartum depression?
- A. Occasional mood swings
- B. Persistent feelings of hopelessness
- C. Excitement about motherhood
- D. Increased energy levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent feelings of hopelessness are a key indicator of postpartum depression, requiring intervention.
The nurse is conducting a physical assessment of the pregnant client. Which physiological cervical changes associated with pregnancy should the nurse expect to find? Select all that apply.
- A. Formation of mucus plug
- B. Chadwick’s sign
- C. Presence of colostrum
- D. Goodell’s sign
- E. Cullen’s sign
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include the formation of the mucus plug. Endocervical glands secrete a thick, tenacious mucus, which accumulates and thickens to form the mucus plug that seals the endocervical canal and prevents the ascent of bacteria or other substances into the uterus. This plug is expelled when cervical dilatation begins. Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include a bluish-purple discoloration of the cervix (Chadwick’s sign) from increased vascularization. Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include the softening of the cervix (Goodell’s sign) from increased vascularization and hypertrophy and engorgement of the vessels below the growing uterus. Colostrum does occur with pregnancy but is a physiological change associated with the breasts and not with a cervical change. Cullen’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the periumbilical skin caused by intraperitoneal hemorrhage. It can occur with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or acute pancreatitis.
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.