Which is an expected characteristic of amniotic fluid?
- A. Deep yellow color
- B. Clear, with small white particles
- C. Nitrazine test: acidic result
- D. Absence of ferning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clear, with small white particles. Amniotic fluid is typically clear with small white particles, representing vernix caseosa. Vernix caseosa is a white, cheese-like substance that covers the skin of the fetus. It helps protect the skin and regulate body temperature. The presence of vernix particles in amniotic fluid is a normal and expected characteristic.
Incorrect choices:
A: Deep yellow color - Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly straw-colored. A deep yellow color may indicate the presence of meconium, which suggests fetal distress.
C: Nitrazine test: acidic result - Amniotic fluid is normally alkaline, not acidic. An acidic result may indicate infection.
D: Absence of ferning - Ferning is a characteristic pattern seen under a microscope in dried cervical mucus, not amniotic fluid. Absence of ferning in amniotic fluid is not a relevant characteristic.
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A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of folic acid during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates effective teaching?
- A. I will stop taking folic acid after the first trimester to reduce the risk of birth defects.
- B. Folic acid is important for preventing neural tube defects in the baby's brain and spine.
- C. I can get enough folic acid by eating a healthy diet, so I don't need supplements.
- D. I should take folic acid only if I have a family history of birth defects.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Choice B is correct because folic acid is indeed important for preventing neural tube defects in the baby's brain and spine. These defects can occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, emphasizing the need for sufficient folic acid intake throughout pregnancy.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Stopping folic acid after the first trimester is not recommended as neural tube development occurs early in pregnancy.
C: While a healthy diet is important, it may not provide enough folic acid during pregnancy, hence supplements are often recommended.
D: Family history of birth defects is not the sole indication for taking folic acid, as all pregnant women benefit from its preventive effects.
A nurse is caring for a patient in labor who is receiving oxytocin for induction. Which of the following is a priority assessment for the nurse?
- A. Fetal heart rate monitoring
- B. Fluid intake and output
- C. Uterine tone assessment
- D. Maternal blood pressure monitoring
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fetal heart rate monitoring. This is a priority assessment because oxytocin can cause uterine hyperstimulation, leading to fetal distress. Monitoring the fetal heart rate allows early detection of any signs of fetal compromise. Choices B, C, and D are important assessments but not the priority in this situation. Monitoring fluid intake and output, uterine tone, and maternal blood pressure are also crucial but do not directly assess fetal well-being, which is the primary concern during labor induction with oxytocin.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation who reports feeling itchy and has noticed jaundice. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
- A. Gestational diabetes
- B. Preeclampsia
- C. Cholestasis of pregnancy
- D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cholestasis of pregnancy. This condition presents with itching, especially on the palms and soles, and jaundice. It is more common in the third trimester. Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver condition that can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby if not managed promptly. Gestational diabetes (Choice A) presents with high blood sugar levels. Preeclampsia (Choice B) is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Hyperthyroidism (Choice D) involves an overactive thyroid gland, which can present with symptoms such as weight loss and palpitations.
A couple is preparing to interview obstetric primary care providers to determine who they will go to for care during their pregnancy and delivery.
- A. Take a tour of hospital delivery areas.
- B. Develop a preliminary birth plan.
- C. Make appointments with three or four obstetric care providers.
- D. Search the Internet for the malpractice histories of the providers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Developing a preliminary birth plan helps couples clarify their preferences and priorities, facilitating better communication with potential providers.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is at 38 weeks gestation and reports a sudden decrease in fetal movement. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Encourage the patient to drink a cold beverage and lie down to stimulate fetal movement.
- B. Ask the patient to monitor fetal movements for 24 hours and report any changes.
- C. Perform a nonstress test and assess fetal heart rate.
- D. Wait until the next prenatal appointment to check for fetal movement.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, performing a nonstress test and assessing fetal heart rate. This is the priority action because a sudden decrease in fetal movement at 38 weeks gestation could indicate fetal distress or potential complications. A nonstress test helps evaluate fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. This test provides immediate information about the baby's condition and any need for further intervention. Encouraging the patient to drink a cold beverage and lie down may not be effective in this situation, as it does not address the underlying cause of decreased fetal movement. Asking the patient to monitor fetal movements for 24 hours could delay necessary intervention, and waiting until the next prenatal appointment could lead to missed opportunities for timely assessment and management of fetal distress.