When determining a fetal heart rate (FHR) and noting accelerations from the baseline rate when the fetus is moving, a nurse interprets this finding as:
- A. A reassuring sign
- B. An indication of the need to contact the physician
- C. An indication of fetal distress
- D. A nonreassuring sign
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a nurse notes accelerations from the baseline rate of the fetal heart rate, particularly when they occur with fetal movement, it is considered a reassuring sign. This indicates a healthy response to fetal activity. Reassuring signs in FHR monitoring include an average rate between 120 and 160 beats/min at term, a regular rhythm with slight fluctuations, accelerations from the baseline rate (often associated with fetal movement), and the absence of decreases from the baseline rate. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because accelerations in FHR with fetal movement are not indicative of the need to contact the physician, fetal distress, or a nonreassuring sign. These signs would typically be associated with other abnormal FHR patterns that would warrant further assessment and intervention.
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A nurse assisting with data collection is testing the cochlear portion of the acoustic nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Which action does the nurse take to test this nerve?
- A. Asking the client to raise their eyebrows and looking for symmetry
- B. Asking the client to clench the teeth, then palpating the masseter muscles just above the mandibular angle
- C. Asking the client to close the eyes and then identify light and sharp touch with a cotton ball and a pin on both sides of the face
- D. Asking the client to close their eyes and then indicate when a ticking watch is heard as the nurse brings the watch closer to the client's ear
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To test the cochlear portion of the acoustic nerve (cranial nerve VIII), the nurse should have the client close their eyes and indicate when a ticking watch is heard as the nurse moves the watch closer to the client's ear. This action assesses the client's ability to perceive auditory stimuli, as the cochlear portion of the acoustic nerve is responsible for hearing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Asking the client to raise their eyebrows to check for symmetry is a method to test the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). Asking the client to clench their teeth and palpating the masseter muscles tests the motor component of the trigeminal nerve. Having the client identify light and sharp touch on both sides of the face is a way to test the sensory component of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V).
A nurse is explaining a nonstress test to a pregnant client. The nurse explains that the results are nonreactive if which finding is noted on the electronic monitoring recording strip?
- A. Two fetal heart accelerations within a 20-minute period, peaking at 15 beats/min above baseline and lasting 15 seconds from baseline to baseline
- B. Accelerations without fetal movement with fetal heart rate (FHR) increases of 15 beats/min for 15 seconds
- C. Acceleration of the FHR by 25 to 30 beats/min for at least 15 seconds in response to fetal movement
- D. Absence of accelerations after fetal movement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Absence of accelerations after fetal movement.' In a nonreactive (nonreassuring) stress test, the monitor recording would not show accelerations after fetal movement within a 40-minute period. This absence of accelerations indicates a nonreactive result. Choices A, B, and C describe different patterns of fetal heart rate accelerations that are not indicative of a nonreactive result in a nonstress test, making them incorrect. Choice A describes the characteristics of a reactive (reassuring) result, where there should be at least two fetal heart accelerations within a 20-minute period, peaking at least 15 beats/min above the baseline, and lasting 15 seconds from baseline to baseline. Choice B incorrectly states 'Accelerations without fetal movement,' which is contradictory. Choice C describes an acceleration response to fetal movement, which does not signify a nonreactive result.
When a 16-year-old girl visits the women's health clinic to obtain information about birth control because she is sexually active and wants to avoid pregnancy, what should the nurse do first when interviewing the client?
- A. Assess the client's knowledge of available birth control methods.
- B. Inform the client that birth control methods can be discussed without the client's boyfriend present.
- C. Tell the client that for her age and lifestyle, birth control pills would be one of the methods of contraception.
- D. Give the client written material about various birth control methods and ask her to read them and to call if she has any questions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client seeks information about birth control, it is essential for the nurse to first assess the client's existing knowledge on the subject. This enables the nurse to provide tailored information that complements what the client already knows, facilitating better understanding and decision-making. Providing written material is a helpful educational tool but should not be the first intervention. Offering specific advice on birth control methods based on age and lifestyle limits the client's autonomy and decision-making process. Mentioning the client's boyfriend as a requirement for discussing birth control is inappropriate and nontherapeutic, as the client should be able to seek information independently.
When planning for the physical assessment of the woman, the nurse ensures that which occurs?
- A. The woman is examined by a female health care provider.
- B. The woman's husband remains in the examining room at all times.
- C. The woman is examined without any other people in the examining room.
- D. Written permission is obtained from the woman to obtain subjective health data.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In many cultures, including Muslim, Hindu, and Latino, modesty is important, and exposure of a woman's genitals to men is considered demeaning. To respect the patient's cultural beliefs and modesty, it is best for a female health care provider to perform the examination. This practice helps to ensure the patient's comfort and adherence to cultural norms. Having the woman examined without any other people in the room (Choice C) may not address the cultural sensitivity required for this situation. Having the woman's husband remain in the examining room at all times (Choice B) may not align with the patient's cultural preferences and may cause discomfort. Written permission from the woman to obtain subjective health data (Choice D) is not directly related to ensuring a culturally sensitive physical assessment in this context.
An amniocentesis is scheduled for a pregnant client in the third trimester. The nurse informs the client that the most common indication for amniocentesis during the third trimester is for which reason?
- A. Determination of whether alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is present in the amniotic fluid
- B. Checking the amniotic fluid for intrauterine infection
- C. Determination of fetal lung maturity
- D. Checking the fetal cells for chromosomal abnormalities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most common indication for amniocentesis in the third trimester is the determination of fetal lung maturity. This assessment is essential to evaluate the fetus's readiness for extrauterine life. Checking for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid is more commonly associated with midtrimester amniocentesis to identify chromosomal abnormalities. Assessing for intrauterine infection is not a primary reason for amniocentesis in the third trimester. While checking fetal cells for chromosomal abnormalities is a common indication for midtrimester amniocentesis, it is not the most common indication in the third trimester.
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