When should a provider order a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening for pregnant clients?
- A. A client who has mitral valve prolapse
- B. A client who has been exposed to AIDS
- C. All pregnant clients
- D. A client who has a history of preterm labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
- MSAFP screening is recommended for all pregnant clients to assess risk of neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
- It is a standard prenatal test regardless of specific medical conditions.
- Options A, B, and D are not directly related to the indication for MSAFP screening in pregnancy.
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A client who is at 42 weeks gestation and in labor asks the nurse what to expect because the baby is postmature. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. Your baby will have excess baby fat.
- B. Your baby will have flat areola without breast buds.
- C. Your baby's heels will easily move to his ears.
- D. Your baby's skin will have a leathery appearance.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a baby who is postmature may have dry, cracked, and peeling skin, leading to a leathery appearance due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid. This occurs as the protective vernix caseosa diminishes over time. Choice A is incorrect because excess baby fat is not a typical characteristic of postmaturity. Choice B is incorrect as flat areola without breast buds is not a common feature of postmaturity. Choice C is incorrect as the ability to easily move heels to ears is a sign of flexibility and does not specifically relate to postmaturity.
A healthcare provider is assisting with the care of a newborn immediately following birth. Which of the following nursing interventions is the highest priority?
- A. Initiating breastfeeding
- B. Performing the initial bath
- C. Giving a vitamin K injection
- D. Covering the newborn's head with a cap
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Covering the newborn's head with a cap. This is the highest priority as newborns are at risk for heat loss due to their large head surface area. By covering the newborn's head with a cap, heat loss can be minimized, helping to maintain the baby's body temperature. This is crucial for the newborn's overall well-being and to prevent complications such as hypothermia.
Initiating breastfeeding (A) is important for newborn nutrition but can be delayed slightly without immediate harm. Performing the initial bath (B) can also wait as it is not as urgent as maintaining the newborn's temperature. Giving a vitamin K injection (C) is important for blood clotting but can be done after ensuring the baby's temperature is stable.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, which of the following findings should a nurse recognize as an expected physiologic change?
- A. Gradual lordosis
- B. Increased abdominal muscle tone
- C. Posterior neck flexion
- D. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gradual lordosis. During the third trimester, the growing uterus shifts the center of gravity forward, leading to an increased lumbar curvature known as lordosis. This change helps maintain balance and support the extra weight. Increased abdominal muscle tone (B) is not an expected finding as abdominal muscles tend to stretch and weaken during pregnancy. Posterior neck flexion (C) is not a common physiologic change during the third trimester. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints (D) is incorrect as hormonal changes during pregnancy actually increase flexibility in the pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth.
When checking for the Moro reflex in a newborn, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Hold the newborn vertically under arms and allow one foot to touch the table.
- B. Stimulate the pads of the newborn's hands with stroking or massage.
- C. Stimulate the soles of the newborn's feet on the outer lateral surface of each foot.
- D. Hold the newborn in a semi-sitting position, then allow the newborn's head and trunk to fall backward.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the Moro reflex is elicited by sudden head movement or loud noise, causing the infant to extend their arms, then bring them back in a hugging motion. By holding the newborn in a semi-sitting position and allowing their head and trunk to fall backward, the nurse can observe the Moro reflex. Choices A, B, and C do not correctly elicit the Moro reflex as they involve different stimuli or movements that do not trigger the characteristic response of arm extension followed by flexion.
When reinforcing teaching with new parents on bathing a newborn, a nurse observes a bluish-brown marking across the newborn's lower back. Which of the following statements should the nurse make concerning the variation?
- A. This is more commonly seen in newborns who have dark skin.
- B. This is a finding indicating hyperbilirubinemia.
- C. This is a forceps mark from an operative delivery.
- D. This is related to prolonged birth or trauma during delivery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: This is more commonly seen in newborns who have dark skin. The bluish-brown marking described is likely a Mongolian spot, a common birthmark in darker-skinned infants. It is not related to hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice), forceps marks, or birth trauma. Mongolian spots are benign and typically fade over time. This statement is correct as it addresses the specific characteristic of the marking and its association with dark skin pigmentation in newborns.