What are the functions of amniotic fluid? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Maintaining an even temperature
- B. Impeding excessive fetal movement
- C. Lubricating fetal skin
- D. Acting as a reservoir for nutrients
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The amniotic fluid provides maintenance of even temperature; prevents amnion from adhering to fetal skin; allows buoyancy, symmetrical growth, and fetal movement; and acts as a cushion for the fetus. Although the fetus does swallow amniotic fluid, it has no nutritional value. Impeding excessive fetal movement and lubricating fetal skin are not primary functions of amniotic fluid.
You may also like to solve these questions
How should the nurse respond to a concern about alcohol exposure during conception?
- A. Inform the doctor
- B. Reassure it's unlikely the baby was affected
- C. Suggest abortion
- D. Recommend ultrasound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Occasional alcohol exposure around conception is unlikely to cause significant harm, though ongoing abstinence is advised.
A pregnant patient is 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about gestational hypertension. Which of the following is a key sign of gestational hypertension?
- A. Severe headache and visual changes
- B. Sudden swelling of the hands and feet
- C. Excessive weight loss and fatigue
- D. Frequent urination and dehydration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudden swelling of the hands and feet. Gestational hypertension is characterized by sudden onset of high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, leading to fluid retention and swelling. This is known as preeclampsia, a severe form of gestational hypertension. Swelling in the hands and feet is a key sign due to fluid imbalance. Severe headache and visual changes (choice A) are more indicative of preeclampsia complications. Excessive weight loss and fatigue (choice C) are not typical signs of gestational hypertension. Frequent urination and dehydration (choice D) are not directly related to gestational hypertension.
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is experiencing a headache. What is the most likely cause of a postpartum headache?
- A. Eclampsia
- B. Spinal headache
- C. Tension headache
- D. Cluster headache
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinal headache. Postpartum spinal headaches are commonly caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to accidental dural puncture during epidural anesthesia. This can lead to severe headaches that worsen when sitting or standing. Eclampsia (A) presents with hypertension and seizures, not just headaches. Tension headaches (C) are typically stress-related and not specific to the postpartum period. Cluster headaches (D) are characterized by severe pain around the eye and are not commonly associated with childbirth.
A nurse is assisting with a vaginal delivery. What is the most important action when the fetal head begins to crown?
- A. apply gentle downward pressure
- B. perform perineal massage
- C. perform a vaginal exam
- D. assist with breathing exercises
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: apply gentle downward pressure. This action helps prevent rapid delivery, reducing the risk of tearing and allowing the perineum to stretch gradually. It also helps control the delivery, ensuring a safe and controlled birth process. Performing perineal massage (B) is beneficial during the pushing stage but is not the most important action when the head crowns. Performing a vaginal exam (C) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of infection. Assisting with breathing exercises (D) is important during labor but not specifically when the head crowns.
A patient who is about to undergo a cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress asks her nurse what kind of anesthesia would be best for her. The nurse explains that which of the following is the preferred method of anesthesia in this nonemergent case?
- A. Spinal block
- B. Epidural block
- C. General anesthesia
- D. Intravenous sedation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal block. Spinal anesthesia provides rapid onset and reliable anesthesia for cesarean section, making it the preferred method in nonemergent cases. It is safe for both the mother and the baby, as it does not cross the placental barrier. Spinal anesthesia also allows for better pain control postoperatively compared to other methods.
Choice B (Epidural block) may be a suitable option, but spinal anesthesia is preferred due to its faster onset and reliability.
Choice C (General anesthesia) is not the preferred method in nonemergent cases as it carries more risks compared to regional anesthesia and may have adverse effects on the baby.
Choice D (Intravenous sedation) is not appropriate for cesarean section as it does not provide adequate anesthesia for the procedure and may not be safe for the baby.