Which explanation by the nurse accurately identifies the recommended weight gain for a pregnant client who has a normal prepregnancy weight?
- A. Less than 15 pounds (<6.8 kg)
- B. 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9 kg)
- C. 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 15.9 kg)
- D. No more than 40 pounds (≤18.1 kg)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a woman with normal prepregnancy weight, the recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds to support fetal development.
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Immediately after delivery of the client’s placenta, the nurse palpates the client’s uterine fundus. The fundus is firm and located halfway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis. Which action should the nurse take based on the assessment findings?
- A. Immediately begin to massage the uterus
- B. Document the findings of the fundus
- C. Assess the client for bladder distention
- D. Monitor for increased vaginal bleeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uterine massage is indicated only if the uterus does not feel firm and contracted. Immediately after birth, the uterus should contract, and the fundus should be located one-half to two-thirds of the way between the symphysis pubis and umbilicus. Thus the only action required is to document the assessment finding. There is no indication that the bladder is full. A full bladder will cause uterine displacement to either side of the abdomen. The uterus is firm; there is no reason to infer that increased vaginal bleeding would occur.
The laboring client’s amniotic membranes have just ruptured. Which nursing action should be priority?
- A. Monitor maternal temperature.
- B. Inspect characteristics of the fluid.
- C. Perform a sterile vaginal examination.
- D. Assess the fetal heart rate pattern.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The priority nursing action is to assess the FHR pattern for several minutes immediately after membrane rupture to determine fetal well being. The umbilical cord may prolapse as a result of the rupture, causing life-threatening changes in the FHR. The maternal temperature should be monitored during labor and at least every two hours after the membranes rupture to assess for possible infection. However, this is not the priority nursing action. Characteristics of the fluid (color, odor, and estimated amount) should be assessed and documented after rupture, but this is not the priority at this time. A vaginal exam that assesses the progress of labor does need to be performed right after membrane rupture, but it is not the priority.
Which nursing instruction given to the client complaining about shortness of breath is most appropriate?
- A. Contact your health care provider immediately.
- B. Decrease your activity level to conserve oxygen.
- C. Ask your physician for a mild sedative.
- D. Sleep with your upper body elevated on pillows.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sleeping with the upper body elevated reduces pressure on the diaphragm, easing shortness of breath.
The RN and the student nurse are caring for the postpartum client who is 16 hours postdelivery. The RN evaluates that the student needs more education about uterine assessment when the student is observed doing which activity?
- A. Elevating the client’s head 30 degrees before doing the assessment
- B. Supporting the lower uterine segment during the assessment
- C. Gently palpating the uterine fundus for firmness and location
- D. Observing the abdomen before beginning palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For uterine assessment, the client should be positioned in a supine position so the height of the uterus is not influenced by an elevated position. When beginning the assessment, one hand should be placed at the base of the uterus just above the symphysis pubis to support the lower uterine segment. This prevents the inadvertent inversion of the uterus during palpation. Once the lower hand is in place, the fundus of the uterus can be gently palpated. The abdomen should be observed prior to palpation for contour to detect distention and for the appearance of striae or a diastasis.
The client tells the nurse that she is using cocoa butter on her abdomen to prevent stretch marks. Which is the most accurate response from the nurse?
- A. “That is wonderful. If you continue to use cocoa butter daily, you should have no stretch marks after delivery.”
- B. “The cocoa butter will not prevent stretch marks completely, but it will help to reduce their number.”
- C. “The cocoa butter will not prevent stretch marks but will decrease the appearance of the linea nigra.”
- D. “Cocoa butter does not prevent stretch marks, but it soothes itching that occurs as your abdomen enlarges.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cocoa butter is an emollient and provides moisture to the skin, thereby decreasing the itching associated with stretching of the skin as the abdomen enlarges. Cocoa butter does not prevent striae gravidarum. Cocoa butter does not decrease the incidence of striae gravidarum. Cocoa butter does not prevent the appearance of linea nigra.