Which treatment is a nursing priority when providing care for an infant diagnosed with bacterial meningitis?
- A. Initiate cardiorespiratory monitoring.
- B. Initiate intravenous fluids.
- C. Observe respiratory isolation.
- D. Administer antibiotic therapy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The first nursing priority is the implementation of antibiotic therapy, which prohibits the microbial damage to the neurologic system through the cerebral spinal fluid. Immediate treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications such as death, deafness, reduced cognitive ability, and seizures.
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A client at 33 weeks gestation is admitted for suspected abruptio placenta. Which factor in the client's history supports this diagnosis? The client states that she:
- A. drinks two glasses of wine before dinner every night.
- B. has intermittent contractions that are relieved by walking.
- C. had intercourse with her partner last night.
- D. used crack an hour before the symptoms began.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: used crack an hour before the symptoms began. Abruptio placenta is a condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall. Substance abuse, such as crack cocaine, can lead to vasoconstriction and increased risk of abruptio placenta due to compromised blood flow to the placenta. This can result in fetal distress and maternal bleeding. The other choices (A, B, C) do not directly correlate with abruptio placenta. Intermittent contractions relieved by walking are more suggestive of Braxton Hicks contractions, intercourse is not a known risk factor for abruptio placenta, and drinking wine does not typically cause this condition.
A woman in the transition stage of labor is using paced breathing to relieve pain. She complains of blurred vision, numbness, and tingling of her hands and mouth. Which condition is indicated by these signs and symptoms?
- A. Anoxia
- B. Hyperventilation
- C. Anxiety
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperventilation. The symptoms of blurred vision, numbness, and tingling in the hands and mouth are indicative of hyperventilation. During paced breathing, if the woman breathes too quickly or deeply, it can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing these symptoms. To address this, the woman should be guided to slow down her breathing and breathe into a paper bag to rebreathe some carbon dioxide. Anoxia (A) is a severe lack of oxygen, which would present with different symptoms. Anxiety (C) may cause similar symptoms but is not the primary issue here. Hypertension (D) does not typically lead to these specific symptoms.
A client reports awaking from sleep by contractions that are occurring every five minutes and lasting 30-40 seconds. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to assess for true labor versus false labor?
- A. When did your contractions begin?
- B. Have you noticed any bloody show or fluid coming from your vagina?
- C. What happens to your contractions when you move about?
- D. Have you felt fetal movement over the last 24 hours?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Have you noticed any bloody show or fluid coming from your vagina?" This question helps differentiate true labor from false labor because the presence of bloody show or amniotic fluid suggests cervical changes associated with true labor. Bloody show indicates the shedding of the cervical mucus plug, and amniotic fluid leakage indicates rupture of membranes. This information helps confirm the progression of labor.
Choice A: "When did your contractions begin?" is a general question that does not specifically differentiate between true and false labor.
Choice C: "What happens to your contractions when you move about?" is more related to the management of labor rather than differentiating true labor from false labor.
Choice D: "Have you felt fetal movement over the last 24 hours?" is important for assessing fetal well-being but does not help in distinguishing true labor from false labor.
Which preoperative nursing interventions should be included for a client who is scheduled to have an emergency cesarean birth?
- A. Monitor oxygen saturation and administer pain medication.
- B. Assess vital signs every 15 minutes and instruct the client about postoperative care. Alleviate anxiety and insert an indwelling catheter.
- C. Perform a sterile vaginal examination and assess breath sounds.
- D. Because this is an emergency, surgery must be performed quickly. Anxiety of the client and the family will be high. Inserting an indwelling catheter helps to keep the bladder empty and free from injury when the incision is made.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assessing vital signs every 15 minutes is crucial in an emergency cesarean birth to monitor the client's condition. Instructing the client about postoperative care ensures they are well-prepared. Alleviating anxiety is important for the client's emotional well-being. Inserting an indwelling catheter is also necessary for bladder emptying to prevent injury during surgery. Choice A is incorrect because oxygen saturation monitoring is not typically a preoperative intervention for a cesarean birth, and administering pain medication may not be necessary preoperatively. Choice C is incorrect as a sterile vaginal examination is not indicated before a cesarean birth, and assessing breath sounds does not directly relate to preoperative care for this procedure. Choice D is incorrect because although anxiety management and indwelling catheter insertion are important, the rationale provided is not directly related to preoperative care for a cesarean birth.
Which information is most important for the nurse to gather when a client is admitted to the unit in labor?
- A. Name of the support person
- B. Medical problems or complications
- C. Fluid preferences
- D. Amount of weight gained during the pregnancy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medical problems or complications. This information is crucial for assessing the client's risk status and determining appropriate care during labor. Knowing the medical history helps identify potential complications that may arise and allows the nurse to plan for necessary interventions. Gathering information on the support person (choice A) is important but not as critical as the client's medical history. Fluid preferences (choice C) and weight gained during pregnancy (choice D) are relevant but do not directly impact the immediate care needed during labor. Without additional choices provided, it is evident that medical problems or complications (choice B) takes precedence in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the client and the baby.