When discussing intermittent fetal heart monitoring with a newly licensed nurse, which statement should a nurse include?
- A. Count the fetal heart rate for 15 seconds to determine the baseline.
- B. Auscultate the fetal heart rate every 5 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labor.
- C. Count the fetal heart rate after a contraction to determine baseline changes.
- D. Auscultate the fetal heart rate every 30 minutes during the second stage of labor.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because counting the fetal heart rate after a contraction helps determine baseline changes, which is essential for identifying fetal distress. This method allows for accurate assessment of fetal well-being in response to contractions. Choice A is incorrect as 15 seconds is not enough time to establish a baseline. Choice B is incorrect as auscultating every 5 minutes may not provide timely information during the active phase. Choice D is incorrect because auscultating every 30 minutes in the second stage may miss important changes in fetal status. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate choice for intermittent fetal heart monitoring.
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A client who is postpartum is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse. For which of the following clinical manifestations should the client be instructed to monitor and report to the provider?
- A. Persistent abdominal striae
- B. Temperature 37.8° C (100.2° F)
- C. Unilateral breast pain
- D. Brownish-red discharge on day 5
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Unilateral breast pain in a postpartum client can indicate mastitis, a bacterial infection of the breast tissue. This requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications like abscess formation.
Other Choices:
A: Abdominal striae are normal after pregnancy and don't require immediate intervention.
B: Mild temperature elevation is common postpartum and doesn't necessarily indicate infection.
D: Brownish-red discharge on day 5 is typically normal lochia and not concerning unless foul-smelling or accompanied by fever.
A nurse at an antepartum clinic is caring for a client who is at 4 months of gestation. The client reports continued nausea, vomiting, and scant, prune-colored discharge. The client has experienced no weight loss and has a fundal height larger than expected. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
- A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
- B. Threatened abortion
- C. Hydatidiform mole
- D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hydatidiform mole. At 4 months of gestation, prune-colored discharge indicates possible passage of vesicular tissue characteristic of a molar pregnancy. This, along with continued nausea, vomiting, and larger fundal height, are signs of a hydatidiform mole. Hyperemesis gravidarum (A) typically involves severe nausea and vomiting leading to weight loss, which the client did not experience. Threatened abortion (B) presents with vaginal bleeding and cramping, not prune-colored discharge. Preterm labor (D) is characterized by regular contractions leading to cervical changes, not the symptoms described.
A client who is at 8 weeks of gestation tells the nurse, 'I am not sure I am happy about being pregnant.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. I will inform the provider that you are having these feelings.
- B. It is normal to have these feelings during the first few months of pregnancy.
- C. You should be happy that you are going to bring new life into the world.
- D. I am going to make an appointment with the counselor for you to discuss these thoughts.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer B: It is normal to have these feelings during the first few months of pregnancy.
1. Acknowledges client's emotions without judgment.
2. Validates the client's experience as common and normal.
3. Provides reassurance and support.
4. Encourages open communication.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A. Not necessary to escalate without client's consent.
C. Invalidates client's feelings and imposes expectations.
D. Implies assumption of severity and may be seen as intrusive.
During a weekly prenatal visit, a nurse is assessing a client at 38 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Blood pressure 136/88 mm Hg
- B. Report of insomnia
- C. Weight gain of 2.2 kg (4.8 lb)
- D. Report of Braxton-Hicks contractions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weight gain of 2.2 kg (4.8 lb). This finding should be reported to the provider because sudden excessive weight gain in late pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This could indicate a potential complication that needs immediate medical attention.
Explanation:
A: Blood pressure 136/88 mm Hg - This blood pressure reading is slightly elevated but not concerning for preeclampsia at this level.
B: Report of insomnia - Insomnia is a common issue during pregnancy and not typically a cause for immediate concern.
D: Report of Braxton-Hicks contractions - Braxton-Hicks contractions are common in the third trimester and are considered normal as long as they are not regular or increasing in intensity.
A full-term newborn is being assessed by a nurse 15 minutes after birth. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Heart rate 168/min
- B. Respiratory rate 18/min
- C. Tremors
- D. Fine crackles
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Respiratory rate 18/min)
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30-60 breaths/min. A rate of 18/min is below the normal range, indicating potential respiratory distress requiring immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Summary of other choices:
A: Heart rate 168/min - Normal range for a newborn is 120-160/min.
C: Tremors - Common in newborns due to immature nervous system, usually self-resolving.
D: Fine crackles - May be present due to residual amniotic fluid and typically resolve without intervention.