Chapter 6
A pregnant woman asks why she needs to take a folic acid supplement. What is the nurse's best explanation for the administration of folic acid?
"Folic acid prevents neural tube birth defects."
A couple have been trying unsuccessfully for nearly a year to become pregnant and have now sought fertility counseling. The nurse should be aware of what potential etiological factors related to infertility? Select all that apply.
Absence of sperm Endometriosis Blocked fallopian tubes
A woman who began labor several hours ago is to be administered oxytocin. What is the goal of oxytocin therapy?
Augment weak or irregular contractions
A woman in labor is being treated with magnesium sulfate intravenously and is beginning to show signs and symptoms of hypermagnesemia. The infusion has been discontinued, and the nurse should anticipate administration of what drug?
Calcium gluconate
A woman is being administered IV magnesium sulfate. What is a desired outcome related to the administration of magnesium sulfate?
Decreased blood pressure
A woman who is in the first trimester of her pregnancy has told the nurse, "I've stopped taking my blood pressure pill because I know it could harm the baby. Instead, I've started taking natural and herbal remedies." What nursing diagnosis is suggested by the woman's statement?
Deficient knowledge related to drug and herbal effects during pregnancy
A patient is being administered magnesium sulfate for preterm labor. The patient's serum magnesium level is elevated at 11 mg/dL. With what sign or symptom will the patient likely present?
Depressed deep tendon reflexes
A woman is at 42 weeks of gestation. Which of the following medications will be administered to promote cervical ripening?
Dinoprostone (Cervidil)
A woman was administered misoprostol (Cytotec) in an effort to induce labor, but the care team is unsatisfied with the results. Consequently, oxytocin will be used. Prior to administering oxytocin, what must occur?
Four hours must elapse after the last dose of misoprostol.
A pregnant woman is experiencing nausea and vomiting in her first trimester of pregnancy. Which herbal agent has traditionally been used as an antiemetic?
Ginger
A patient is receiving oxytocin (Pitocin). Which of the following is a maternal adverse effect of Pitocin?
Hypertension
A nurse is performing health education with a woman who has just learned that she is pregnant. The nurse has explained the concept of teratogenic drugs and emphasized the need to have her care provider assess any medications she should consider taking. The nurse should teach the woman that drug-induced teratogenicity is most likely to occur at what point in her pregnancy?
In the first trimester during organogenesis
A pregnant woman states that she has been constipated since becoming pregnant. Which medication is most appropriate for preventing constipation related to pregnancy?
Metamucil
A primiparous woman was vigilant in avoiding medications and herbs during her pregnancy and states that she is similarly committed to protecting her baby's health now that she is breast-feeding. What principle should guide the woman's use of medications while breast-feeding?
Most medications are contraindicated while a woman is breast-feeding.
A woman in preterm labor has been administered terbutaline sulfate (Brethine). For what potential adverse effects should the nurse assess the patient?
Palpitations and shortness of breath
A woman who is 7 months pregnant is waking up at night with gastroesophageal reflux. Which of the following medications is most highly recommended?
Ranitidine (Zantac)
When administering magnesium sulfate, for what should the nurse assess the patient?
Respiratory depression
A woman who takes highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV/AIDS has become pregnant. What effect will the woman's pregnancy have on her drug regimen?
She can continue her HAART unchanged.
A woman has been unable to conceive for many months and will soon begin treatment with clomiphene (Clomid). What health education should the nurse provide to this patient?
Take her basal temperature between 5 to 10 days after taking Clomid.
A patient is being treated for preterm labor. Which beta-adrenergic medication is administered orally to decrease uterine contractions?
Terbutaline (Brethine)