Which laboratory finding is indicative of DIC?
- A. Decreased fibrinogen
- B. Increased platelets
- C. Increased hematocrit
- D. Decreased thromboplastin time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased fibrinogen. In DIC, there is widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to consumption of clotting factors like fibrinogen. This results in decreased levels of fibrinogen in the blood. Increased platelets (B) are seen in early stages, but they decrease as consumption continues. Increased hematocrit (C) is a nonspecific finding. Decreased thromboplastin time (D) is not indicative of DIC, as it would typically be prolonged due to consumption of clotting factors.
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What term describes a spontaneous abortion with no expulsion of the products of conception and a closed cervix?
- A. incomplete abortion
- B. threatened abortion
- C. missed abortion
- D. recurrent abortion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: missed abortion. In a missed abortion, the fetus has died but has not been expelled. The cervix remains closed, and there are no signs of active miscarriage. This term specifically describes the scenario where the pregnancy is no longer viable, but the body has not recognized it yet.
A: Incomplete abortion involves partial expulsion of the products of conception.
B: Threatened abortion signifies a possible miscarriage with ongoing pregnancy.
D: Recurrent abortion refers to multiple consecutive miscarriages.
A patient who was pregnant had a spontaneous abortion at approximately 4 weeks' gestation. At the time of the miscarriage, it was thought that all products of conception were expelled. Two weeks later, the patient presents at the clinic office complaining of “crampy†abdominal pain and a scant amount of serosanguineous vaginal drainage with a slight odor. The pregnancy test is negative. Vital signs reveal a temperature of 100°F, with blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, irregular pulse 88 beats/minute (bpm), and respirations, 20 breaths per minute. Based on this assessment data, what does the nurse anticipate as a clinical diagnosis?
- A. Ectopic pregnancy
- B. Uterine infection
- C. Gestational trophoblastic disease
- D. Endometriosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Uterine infection. The patient's presentation with crampy abdominal pain, scant serosanguineous vaginal drainage, negative pregnancy test, and vital signs indicating fever, hypotension, and tachycardia are indicative of a uterine infection, most likely post-miscarriage. The timing of symptoms 2 weeks after miscarriage aligns with the typical onset of infection. The absence of products of conception being expelled completely could have led to retained tissue causing infection. Ectopic pregnancy (A) would typically present with severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and positive pregnancy test. Gestational trophoblastic disease (C) would present with irregular vaginal bleeding and elevated hCG levels. Endometriosis (D) is a chronic condition characterized by pelvic pain and abnormal menstrual bleeding, not an acute post-miscarriage complication.
A patient at 25 weeks' gestation has just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is the most important education for the nurse to provide the patient at this time?
- A. induction of labor
- B. nutrition
- C. potential fetal complications
- D. potential maternal complications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: nutrition. At 25 weeks' gestation with gestational diabetes, nutrition education is crucial to manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Proper diet control can help regulate blood glucose levels, ensuring optimal fetal growth and reducing the risk of macrosomia. Educating the patient on a balanced diet, monitoring carbohydrate intake, and understanding the glycemic index are essential. Induction of labor (choice A) is not indicated at this stage and may lead to potential complications. While discussing potential fetal (choice C) and maternal (choice D) complications is important, addressing nutrition takes precedence as it directly impacts the health of both the mother and the fetus.
A blood-soaked peripad weighs 900 g. The nurse would document a blood loss of _____ mL.
- A. 1800
- B. 450
- C. 900
- D. 90
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (900 mL). To calculate blood loss, divide the weight of the blood-soaked pad (900 g) by the specific gravity of blood (1 g/mL). This gives 900 mL. Choice A (1800 mL) is incorrect as it doubles the correct amount. Choice B (450 mL) is incorrect as it halves the correct amount. Choice D (90 mL) is incorrect as it divides the correct amount by 10. The key is to convert the weight to volume using the specific gravity of blood to determine the correct blood loss measurement.
Which clinical intervention is the only known cure for preeclampsia?
- A. Magnesium sulfate
- B. Delivery of the fetus
- C. Antihypertensive medications
- D. Administration of aspirin (ASA) every day of the pregnancy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Delivery of the fetus. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can only be cured by delivering the baby and placenta. This is because the placenta is the source of the problem in preeclampsia. Other options like magnesium sulfate, antihypertensive medications, and aspirin can help manage symptoms but do not cure the underlying condition. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in severe cases, antihypertensive medications control high blood pressure, and aspirin may be used for prevention but not as a cure. Delivery is the definitive treatment to resolve preeclampsia and prevent further complications for both the mother and the baby.