Prep U 20
A 35-year-old client is seen for her 2-week postoperative appointment after a suction curettage was performed to evacuate a hydatidiform mole. The nurse explains that the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels will be reviewed every 2 weeks and teaches about the need for reliable contraception for the next 6 months to a year. The client states, "I'm 35 already. Why do I have to wait that long to get pregnant again?" What is the nurse's best response?
"A contraceptive is used so that a positive pregnancy test resulting from a new pregnancy will not be confused with the increased level of hCG that occurs with a developing malignancy."
A client who is HIV-positive is in her second trimester and remains asymptomatic. She voices concern about her newborn's risk for the infection. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
"Antiretroviral medications are available to help reduce the risk of transmission."
After teaching a woman who has had an evacuation for gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole or molar pregnancy) about her condition, which statement indicates that the nurse's teaching was successful?
"I will be sure to avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 year."
The nurse is teaching a client who is diagnosed with preeclampsia how to monitor her condition. The nurse determines the client needs more instruction after making which statement?
"If I have changes in my vision, I will lie down and rest."
A nurse is caring for a pregnant woman in her third trimester. The woman is HIV positive and voices concerns about passing the infection on to her baby. What is the nurse's best response?
"If you are taking antiretroviral medications and you don't breastfeed your baby, you greatly reduce the risk of perinatal transmission of the disease."
A pregnant women calls the clinic to report a small amount of painless vaginal bleeding. What response by the nurse is best?
"Please come in now for an evaluation by your health care provider."
A client with a history of cervical insufficiency is seen for reports of pink-tinged discharge and pelvic pressure. The primary care provider decides to perform a cervical cerclage. The nurse teaches the client about the procedure. Which client response indicates that the teaching has been effective?
"Purse-string sutures are placed in the cervix to prevent it from dilating."
A 16-year-old client at 12 weeks' gestation gave birth to a fetus last week. The client has come to the office for follow-up and while waiting in an examination room notices that on the schedule is written her name and "follow-up of spontaneous abortion." The client is upset about what is written on the schedule. How can the nurse best explain this terminology?
"Spontaneous abortion is a more specific term used to describe a spontaneous miscarriage, which is a loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks. This term does not imply that you did anything to affect the pregnancy."
A client is placed on bed rest and home care for preeclampsia. The client's spouse is very concerned about the condition progressing to eclampsia and what do if she experiences a seizure at home. Which is the priority statement by the nurse?
"To reduce injury, you should move furniture away from her."
A client in her first trimester arrives at the emergency room with reports of severe cramping and vaginal spotting. On examination, the health care provider informs her that no fetal heart sounds are evident and orders a dilatation and curettage. The client looks frightened and confused and states that she does not believe in abortion. Which statement by the nurse is best?
"Unfortunately, the pregnancy is already lost. The procedure is to clear the uterus to prevent further complications."
A client is 11 weeks' pregnant after many years trying to conceive. After arriving home from a normal prenatal visit, she experiences mild cramping and has a gush of bright red vaginal bleeding. She calls the nurse and reports having soaked a pad with fresh blood in fewer than 30 minutes. The uterine cramping is worsening. What is the most appropriate response from the nurse?
"You need to seek immediate attention from the primary care provider."
A woman with preterm labor is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding would require the nurse to intervene immediately?
1+ deep tendon reflexes
Assessment of pregnant woman reveals that the woman has a BMI of 31. The woman is pregnant with one fetus. The nurse would most likely recommend a total weight gain of no greater than which amount?
20 pounds
A pregnant woman with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a laboratory test of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). What does the nurse tell the client is a normal level for this test?
6%
A woman is receiving magnesium sulfate as part of her treatment for severe preeclampsia. The nurse is monitoring the woman's serum magnesium levels. The nurse determines that the drug is at a therapeutic level based on which result?
6.1 mEq/L
A primipara at 36 weeks' gestation is being monitored in the prenatal clinic for risk of preeclampsia. Which sign or symptom should the nurse prioritize?
A dipstick value of 2+ for protein
The client appears at the clinic stating that she is 8 months pregnant and has had no prenatal care due to a lack of health insurance. She states not feeling well with blurred vision and a terrible headache. The client's blood pressure is 190/100 and edema is present in her lower extremities. Which diagnostic test will provide additional pertinent data?
A urine dipstick test to check for protein
A pregnant client at 32 weeks' gestation is treated with magnesium sulfate for seizure management. The nurse assesses which of the following for evidence of magnesium toxicity?
Absence of knee jerk response
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum. Which nursing action is the priority for this client?
Administer IV NS with vitamins and electrolytes.
A nurse in the maternity triage unit is caring for a client with a suspected ectopic pregnancy. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform first?
Assess the client's vital signs.
A patient in her third trimester comes in for a routine prenatal visit. The nurse places her in a comfortable position and attaches the tocodynamometer and ultrasound monitor to the patient's abdomen. What is the purpose of this test?
Assesses fetal well-being
A pregnant patient with intermittent preterm contractions at 30 weeks has been on weekly home care assessments for 1 month without health care visits to the doctor or any activities outside the home. The nurse has established adequate fetal growth and is aware that contractions have been occurring roughly two times a day. The patient makes little effort to look at the nurse or discuss her plans for the upcoming delivery. The nurse makes which diagnosis of the current needs of this patient?
At risk for depression because of extended activity restriction, as evidenced by affect
After conducting a refresher class on possible congenital infections with a group of perinatal nurses, the nurse recognizes the class was successful when the group identifies which congenital viral infection as the most common?
CMV
A woman with a positive history of genital herpes is in active labor. Assessment reveals vesicles in the perineum area, membranes are ruptured, dilated 5 cm, and effaced 70%. The nurse should prepare the client for which type of birth?
Cesarean
A woman in her 20s has experienced a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) at 10 weeks' gestation and asks the nurse at the hospital what went wrong. She is concerned that she did something that caused her to lose her baby. The nurse can reassure the woman by explaining that the most common cause of miscarriage in the first trimester is related to which factor?
Chromosomal defects in the fetus
The nurse is assessing a new client who is being admitted with gestational hypertension. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize for this client?
Deficient fluid volume related to vasospasm of arteries
A client with a high-risk pregnancy has been prescribed inpatient bed rest. When assessing the client each morning, which risk factor of is common with this treatment plan?
Depression
A patient with heart disease who is 28 weeks pregnant asks the nurse why office appointments have been scheduled every week for the next 4 weeks. What should the nurse respond to the patient?
During weeks 28 and 32, blood volume peaks, and heart function can be affected.
A pregnant client with hyperemesis gravidarum needs advice on how to minimize nausea and vomiting. Which instruction should the nurse give this client?
Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
A 28-year-old client with a history of endometriosis presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting. The client also reports her periods are irregular with the last one being 2 months ago. The nurse prepares to assess for which possible cause for this client's complaints?
Ectopic pregnancy
A patient in her late twenties visits the clinic to begin the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her husband in his late fifties asks if there are any tests to check for any irregularities. What tests should the nurse discuss with this couple?
Examination of egg and sperm
The nurse is preparing a postpartum nursing care plan for a single HIV-positive primigravida client. The nurse should prioritize in the plan how to acquire which resource?
Formula
A client tells that nurse in the doctor's office that her friend developed high blood pressure on her last pregnancy. She is concerned that she will have the same problem. What is the standard of care for preeclampsia?
Have her blood pressure checked at every prenatal visit.
A client comes to the clinic for an evaluation. The client is at 22 weeks' gestation. After reviewing a client's history, which factor would the nurse identify as placing her at risk for preeclampsia?
Her mother had preeclampsia during pregnancy.
TORCH is an acronym for maternal infections associated with congenital malformations and disorders. Which of the following disorders does the H represent?
Herpes simplex virus
A 24-year-old woman presents with vague abdominal pains, nausea, and vomiting. An urine hCG is positive after the client mentioned that her last menstrual period was 2 months ago. The nurse should prepare the client for which intervention if the transvaginal ultrasound indicates a gestation sac is found in the right lower quadrant?
Immediate surgery
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. For what should the nurse anticipate preparing the patient?
Immediate surgery
The nurse is identifying nursing diagnoses for a client with gestational hypertension. Which diagnosis would be the most appropriate for this client?
Ineffective tissue perfusion related to vasoconstriction of blood vessels
A pregnant woman has been admitted to the hospital due to preeclampsia with severe features. Which measure will be important for the nurse to include in the care plan?
Institute and maintain seizure precautions.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant client with severe preeclampsia. Which nursing intervention should a nurse perform to institute and maintain seizure precautions in this client?
Keep the suction equipment readily available.
A pregnant woman is being evaluated for HELLP. The nurse reviews the client's diagnostic test results. An elevation in which result would the nurse interpret as helping to confirm this diagnosis?
LDH
A client at 25 weeks' gestation presents with a blood pressure of 152/99 mm Hg, pulse 78 beats/min, no edema, and urine negative for protein. What would the nurse do next?
Notify the health care provider
A pregnant woman diagnosed with diabetes should be instructed to perform which action?
Notify the primary care provider if unable to eat because of nausea and vomiting.
The nutritional needs of an adolescent pregnant patient are unique because
Owing to typical food choices, an adolescent is often lacking calcium, iron, and folic acid in the diet
Which symptom may indicate a complication (not a common discomfort) in the second or third trimester of pregnancy?
Pain underneath the ribs on the right side
A 32-year-old gravida 3 para 2 at 36 weeks' gestation comes to the obstetric department reporting abdominal pain. Her blood pressure is 164/90 mm Hg, her pulse is 100 beats per minute, and her respirations are 24 per minute. She is restless and slightly diaphoretic with a small amount of dark red vaginal bleeding. What assessment should the nurse make next?
Palpate the fundus and check fetal heart rate.
A client with a multiple gestation has come to a health care facility for a regular antenatal check-up. When educating the client on pregnancy, about which complication should the nurse inform the client?
Placental dysfunction
The following hourly assessments are obtained by the nurse on a client with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate: 97.3oF (36.2oC), HR 88, RR 12 breaths/min, BP 148/110 mm Hg. What other priority physical assessments by the nurse should be implemented to assess for potential toxicity?
Reflexes
A patient having an examination to check the placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) is diagnosed as being pregnant. For which action should the nurse prepare the patient at this time?
Removal of the IUD
A client at 37 weeks' gestation presents to the emergency department with a BP 150/108 mm Hg, 1+ pedal edema, 1+ proteinuria, and normal deep tendon reflexes. Which assessment should the nurse prioritize as the client is administered magnesium sulfate IV?
Respiratory rate
The nurse is concerned that a pregnant patient is experiencing abruptio placentae. What did the nurse assess in this patient?
Sharp fundal pain and discomfort between contractions
The nurse is caring for a client who has a multifetal pregnancy. What topic should the nurse prioritize during health education?
Signs of preterm labor
The nurse is caring for a woman at 32 weeks' gestation with severe preeclampsia. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize after the administration of hydralazine to this client?
Tachycardia
A 25-year-old pregnant client has just been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. Which instruction should the nurse prioritize during a teaching session?
Take your anti-nausea medicine around the clock.
A pregnant patient with a history of premature cervical dilatation undergoes cervical cerclage. Which outcome indicates that this procedure has been successful?
The client delivers a full-term fetus at 39 weeks' gestation.
The nurse is assessing a newborn infant for possible intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Which factor should the nurse analyze first to help determine if this diagnosis is accurate?
The ethnicity and stature of both the mother and father
The nurse is evaluating care provided to a patient in the third trimester of pregnancy who has been diagnosed with gestational hypertension. Which finding indicates that treatment has been successful for this patient?
Urine protein 0
The obstetric nurse is caring for a pregnant client who has been diagnosed with hydatidiform mole. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Vaginal bleeding
A woman who is 8 months' pregnant comes to the clinic with urinary frequency and pain on urination. The client is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which medication would the nurse anticipate the physician will prescribe?
amoxicillin
A woman who is Rh negative asks the nurse how many children she will be able to have before Rh incompatibility causes them to die in utero. The nurse's best response would be that:
as long as she receives Rho(D) immune globulin, there is no limit.
A client with severe preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate as part of the treatment plan. To ensure the client's safety, which compound would the nurse have readily available?
calcium gluconate
A pregnant woman with diabetes at 10 weeks' gestation has a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 13%. At this time the nurse should be most concerned about which possible fetal outcome?
congenital anomalies
A nurse is interviewing a pregnant woman who has come to the clinic for her first prenatal visit. During the interview, the client tells the nurse that she works in a day care center with 2- and 3-year olds. Based on the client's history, the nurse would be alert for the development of which condition?
cytomegalovirus
A client is diagnosed with gestational hypertension and is receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse determines that the medication is at a therapeutic level based on which finding?
deep tendons reflexes 2+
A woman is being closely monitored and treated for severe preeclampsia with magnesium sulfate. Which finding would alert the nurse to the development of magnesium toxicity in this client?
diminished reflexes
A nurse is conducting a refresher program for a group of perinatal nurses. Part of the program involves a discussion of HELLP. The nurse determines that the group needs additional teaching when they identify which aspect as a part of HELLP?
elevated lipoproteins
A nurse suspects that a client is developing HELLP syndrome. The nurse notifies the health care provider based on which finding?
elevated liver enzymes
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a pregnant client. Which finding would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome?
elevated liver enzymes
A woman with an incomplete abortion is to receive misoprostol. The woman asks the nurse, "Why am I getting this drug?" The nurse responds to the client, integrating understanding that this drug achieves which effect?
ensures passage of all the products of conception
A nurse is monitoring a client with PROM who is in labor and observes meconium in the amniotic fluid. What does the observation of meconium indicate?
fetal distress related to hypoxia When meconium is present in the amniotic fluid, it typically indicates fetal distress related to hypoxia. Meconium stains the fluid yellow to greenish brown, depending on the amount present. A decreased amount of amniotic fluid reduces the cushioning effect, thereby making cord compression a possibility. A foul odor of amniotic fluid indicates infection. Meconium in the amniotic fluid does not indicate CNS involvement.
A nurse is conducting an in-service program for a group of nurses working at the women's health facility about the causes of spontaneous abortion. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which condition as the most common cause of first trimester abortions?
fetal genetic abnormalities
A novice nurse asks to be assigned to the least complex antepartum client. Which condition would necessitate the least complex care requirements?
gestational hypertension
A client in her 20th week of gestation develops HELLP syndrome. What are features of HELLP syndrome? Select all that apply.
hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelet count
While assessing a pregnant woman, the nurse suspects that the client may be at risk for hydramnios. Which information would the nurse use to support this suspicion? Select all that apply.
history of diabetes reports of shortness of breath difficulty obtaining fetal heart rate
A nurse is providing care to a client who has been diagnosed with a common benign form of gestational trophoblastic disease. The nurse identifies this as:
hydatidiform mole.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman with gestational hypertension. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the client has developed severe preeclampsia?
hyperreflexia
A pregnant woman has just found out that she is having twin girls. She asks the nurse the difference between fraternal and identical twins. The nurse explains that with one set of twins there is fertilization of two ova, and with the other set one fertilized ovum splits. What type of twins result from the split ovum?
identical
A pregnant client has tested positive for cytomegalovirus. What can this cause in the newborn?
microcephaly
A client with hyperemesis gravidarum is admitted to the facility after being cared for at home without success. What would the nurse expect to include in the client's plan of care?
nothing by mouth
A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant woman about bleeding that can occur early in pregnancy. The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the group identifies which condition as a common cause?
placenta previa
A woman at 35 weeks' gestation with severe hydramnios is admitted to the hospital. The nurse recognizes that which concern is greatest regarding this client?
preterm rupture of membranes followed by preterm birth
A woman has presented to the emergency department with symptoms that suggest an ectopic pregnancy. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the fallopian tube has ruptured?
referred shoulder pain
A woman at 12 weeks' gestation comes to the clinic with vaginal bleeding. When assessing the woman further, the nurse would suspect a threatened abortion based on which finding?
slight vaginal bleeding
A pregnant woman has arrived to the office reporting vaginal bleeding. Which finding during the assessment would lead the nurse to suspect an inevitable abortion?
strong abdominal cramping
A nurse is assessing the following antenatal clients. Which client is at highest risk for having a multiple gestation?
the 41-year-old client who conceived by in vitro fertilization
A woman with hyperemesis gravidarum asks the nurse about suggestions to minimize nausea and vomiting. Which suggestion would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?
"Drink fluids in between meals rather than with meals."
A patient with diabetes is in the first trimester of pregnancy and is currently having difficulty keeping blood glucose levels within normal limits. The patient explains that she has been "eating for two" so the baby is healthy. How should the nurse respond to the patient?
"Elevated blood glucose levels in the first trimester have been linked to congenital anomalies."
A client at 11 weeks' gestation experiences pregnancy loss. The client asks the nurse if the bleeding and cramping that occurred during the miscarriage were caused by working long hours in a stressful environment. What is the most appropriate response from the nurse?
"I can understand your need to find an answer to what caused this. Let's talk about this further."
A woman with placenta previa is being treated with expectant management. The woman and fetus are stable. The nurse is assessing the woman for possible discharge home. Which statement by the woman would suggest to the nurse that home care might be inappropriate?
"I have a toddler and preschooler at home who need my attention."
A woman who is 10 weeks' pregnant calls the physician's office reporting "morning sickness" but, when asked about it, tells the nurse that she is nauseated and vomiting all the time and has lost 5 pounds. What interventions would the nurse anticipate for this client?
Lab work will be drawn to rule out acid-base imbalances.
The health care provider prescribes PGE2 for a woman to help evacuate the uterus following a spontaneous abortion. Which action would be most important for the nurse to do?
Maintain the client supine for 30 minutes after administration.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant client with fallopian tube rupture. Which intervention is the priority for this client?
Monitor the client's vital signs and bleeding.
Which recommendation would the nurse give to a pregnant client with a sexually transmitted infection who is at risk for transmitting the infection?
Participate in early prenatal care.
A client at 27 weeks' gestation is admitted to the obstetric unit after reporting headaches and edema of her hands. Review of the prenatal notes reveals blood pressure consistently above 136/90 mm Hg. The nurse anticipates the health care provider will prescribe magnesium sulfate to accomplish which primary goal?
Prevent maternal seizures
A nurse is conducting a presentation for a group of pregnant women about conditions that can occur during pregnancy and that place the woman at high-risk. When discussing blood incompatibilities, which measure would the nurse explain as most effective in preventing isoimmunization during pregnancy?
Rho(D) immune globulin administration to Rh-negative women
The nurse is monitoring a pregnant patient who is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate for eclampsia. During the last assessment, the nurse was unable to elicit a patellar reflex. What should the nurse do?
Stop the current infusion.
A client is 20' weeks pregnant. At a prenatal visit, the nurse begins the prenatal assessment. Which finding would necessitate calling the primary care provider to assess the client?
The client has pink vaginal discharge and pelvic pressure.
A primigravida 21-year-old client at 24 weeks' gestation has a 2-year history of HIV. As the nurse explains the various options for delivery, which factor should the nurse point out will influence the decision for a vaginal birth?
The viral load
A client in her third trimester is scheduled for a nonstress test. What is the purpose of the nonstress test for the client?
To determine the well-being of the fetus
A 44-year-old client has lost several pregnancies over the last 10 years. For the past 3 months, she has had fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. She visits the clinic and takes a pregnancy test; the results are positive. Physical examination confirms a uterus enlarged to 13 weeks' gestation; fetal heart tones are heard. Ultrasound reveals that the client is experiencing some bleeding. Considering the client's prenatal history and age, what does the nurse recognize as the greatest risk for the client at this time?
spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
