Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test can detect this defect.
- B. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test can detect this defect.
- C. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test can detect this defect.
- D. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test can detect this defect.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test screens for neural tube defects like spina bifida by measuring AFP levels.
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The client, who had preeclampsia and delivered vaginally 4 hours ago, is still receiving magnesium sulfate IV. When assessing the client’s deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), the nurse finds that they are both weak, at 1+, whereas previously they were 2+ and 3+. Which actions should the nurse plan? Select all that apply.
- A. Notify the client’s HCP about the reduced DTRs.
- B. Prepare to increase the magnesium sulfate dose.
- C. Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV.
- D. Assess the level of consciousness and vital signs.
- E. Ask the HCP about drawing a serum calcium level.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: The HCP should be notified about the decreased DTRs because weakening of these may indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. Increasing the magnesium sulfate dose would worsen the situation and could lead to a depressed respiratory rate. Any time the client is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion, the nurse should be prepared for the possibility of needing the antidote, calcium gluconate. The nurse should assess the client’s vital signs and level of consciousness, as decreased level of consciousness and respiratory effort are serious side effects of magnesium sulfate. The nurse should ask the HCP about drawing a serum magnesium level (not a serum calcium level) to determine whether the client is experiencing magnesium toxicity.
The nurse’s laboring client is being electronically monitored during her labor. The baseline FHR throughout the labor has been in the 130s. In the last 2 hours, the baseline has decreased to the 100s. How should the nurse document this FHR?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Late deceleration
- D. Within normal limits
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An FHR baseline less than 110 is classified as bradycardia. Tachycardia occurs when the baseline is greater than 160 bpm. A prolonged deceleration is defined as a change from the baseline FHR that occurs for 2 to 10 minutes before returning to baseline. A late deceleration is a gradual decrease and return of the FHR to baseline, associated with a uterine contraction. A decrease to the 100s is not within the normal range. The normal FHR is 120 to 160 bpm.
The nurse is caring for the pregnant client. Which assessment findings help the nurse determine that she may be in true labor? Select all that apply.
- A. Progressive cervical dilation and effacement
- B. Walking usually increases contraction intensity
- C. Warm tub baths and rest lessen contractions
- D. Discomfort is usually in the client’s abdomen
- E. Contractions increase in duration and intensity
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Progressive cervical dilation and effacement indicate true labor. In false labor, the contractions may occur for several hours, but there is no cervical change. In true labor, walking usually increases the intensity of contractions. In false labor, walking usually has little or no effect on contractions and may sometimes decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of contractions. Contractions increase in duration and intensity during true labor, while there is usually no change in contractions during false labor. Warm tub baths and rest lessen contractions during false labor. In true labor, contractions do not decrease with warm tub baths or rest. Discomfort is usually in the client’s abdomen during false labor. Discomfort begins in the back and radiates around to the abdomen during true labor.
The pregnant client and her significant other are attending childbirth classes. The client asks for guidance on preparing her school-aged child for the new baby’s birth. Which strategies might the nurse suggest that the client use with her child? Select all that apply.
- A. Read books about bringing home a new baby.
- B. Think of unique names for the new baby.
- C. Help pack a bag for bringing the new baby home.
- D. Explain how pregnancy occurred, if asked.
- E. Help the child buy presents for the new baby.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Engaging the child in activities such as reading books about bringing the new baby home helps the child to feel a part of the experience. Engaging the child in activities such as naming the new baby helps the child to feel a part of the experience. Engaging the child in activities such as packing a bag for the new baby’s coming home helps the child to feel a part of the experience. Engaging the child in activities such as buying presents for the new baby helps the child to feel a part of the experience. Children younger than adolescents do not fully understand conception and pregnancy due to preoperational and concrete operational thinking. They are not usually asking for an explanation of sex during this time.
Two hours after delivery, the mother tells the nurse that she will be bottle feeding. She asks what she can do to prevent the terrible pain experienced when her milk came in with her last baby. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. “Once you have recovered from the birth, I will help you bind your breasts.”
- B. “Engorgement is familial. If you had it with your last baby, it is inevitable.”
- C. “I can help you put on a supportive bra; wear one constantly for 1 to 2 weeks.”
- D. “Engorgement occurs right after birth; if you don’t have it yet, it won’t occur.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In comparison studies between breast binders and bras, mothers using binders experienced more engorgement and discomfort. Engorgement is not familial and not inevitable in bottle-feeding mothers. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra within 6 hours after birth can suppress lactation. The bra should be worn continuously, except for showering, until lactation is suppressed (usually 7 to 14 days). Signs of engorgement usually occur on the third to fifth postpartum day (not right after birth), and engorgement will spontaneously resolve by the tenth day postpartum.
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