OB Antepartum NCLEX Questions
The nurse reviews the plan of care for a woman at 37 weeks' gestation who has sickle cell anemia. The nurse determines that which problem listed on the nursing care plan will receive the highest priority?
Insufficient fluid volume
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has just been told that a pregnancy test is positive. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is at risk for preterm labor?
The client has a history of cardiac disease.
A client who is 8 weeks' pregnant calls the prenatal clinic and tells the nurse that she is experiencing nausea and vomiting every morning. The nurse should suggest which measure that will best promote relief of the signs and symptoms?
Eating dry crackers before arising
The nurse is conducting a session about nutrition with a group of adolescents who are pregnant. Which measure is most appropriate to teach these adolescents?
Monitor for appropriate weight gain patterns.
The nursing instructor asks the nursing student about the physiology related to the cessation of ovulation that occurs during pregnancy. Which response, if made by the student, indicates an understanding of this physiological process? Select all that apply.
"Ovulation ceases during pregnancy because the circulating levels of estrogen and progesterone are high." "The release of the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone is inhibited by adaptations related to pregnancy."
A pregnant client in the first trimester calls the nurse at a health care clinic and reports that she has noticed a thin, colorless vaginal drainage. The nurse should make which statement to the client?
"The vaginal discharge may be bothersome, but is a normal occurrence."
The nurse assists a pregnant client with cardiac disease to identify resources to help her care for her 18-month-old child during the last trimester of pregnancy. The nurse encourages the pregnant client to use these resources primarily for which reason?
Reduce excessive maternal stress and fatigue.
A pregnant client tells the nurse that she frequently has a backache, and the nurse provides instructions regarding measures that will assist in relieving the backache. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
"I should do more exercises to strengthen my back muscles."
The nurse is teaching a woman in her first trimester measures to alleviate nausea and vomiting. Which statement by the woman indicates that further teaching is required?
"I will eat dry crackers for breakfast after I get up."
A client in the first trimester of pregnancy arrives at a health care clinic and reports that she has been experiencing vaginal bleeding. A threatened abortion is suspected, and the nurse instructs the client regarding management of care. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
"I will maintain strict bed rest throughout the remainder of the pregnancy."
The nurse is reviewing the record of a pregnant client seen in the health care clinic for the first prenatal visit. Which data, if noted on the client's record, should alert the nurse that the client is at risk for a spontaneous abortion?
History of syphilis
The nurse is providing instructions about treatment for hemorrhoids to a client in the second trimester of pregnancy. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I should apply heat packs to the hemorrhoids to help them shrink."
A client in the prenatal clinic asks the nurse about the delivery date. The nurse notes that the client's record indicates that the client began her last menses on March 7, 2018, and ended the menses on March 14, 2018. Using Nägele's rule, the nurse should tell the client that the estimated date of delivery is what date? Fill in the blank. Record your answer using 6 digits (mmddyy).
121418
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who suspects that she is pregnant and is checking the client for probable signs of pregnancy. The nurse should assess for which probable signs of pregnancy? Select all that apply.
Ballottement Chadwick's sign Uterine enlargement Positive pregnancy test
The nurse is performing an assessment of a primigravida who is being evaluated in a clinic during her second trimester of pregnancy. Which findings concern the nurse and indicate the need for follow-up? Select all that apply.
Fetal heart rate of 180 beats/minute Elevated level of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
The nurse is conducting a prepared childbirth class and is instructing pregnant women about the method of effleurage. The nurse instructs the women to perform the procedure by doing which action?
Massaging the abdomen during contractions, using both hands in a circular motion
During a woman's 38-week prenatal visit, the nurse assesses the fetal heart rate to be 180 beats/minute. What might the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of this tachycardia?
Maternal infection
A pregnant client asks the nurse about the types of exercises that are allowed during pregnancy. The nurse should tell that client that which exercise is safest?
Swimming
A pregnant client tells the clinic nurse that she wants to know the sex of her baby as soon as it can be determined. The nurse informs the client that she should be able to find out the sex at 12 weeks' gestation because of which factor?
The appearance of the fetal external genitalia
The nurse is assessing a client with a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole). The nurse understands that which findings are associated with this condition? Select all that apply.
Vaginal bleeding Excessive nausea and vomiting Larger-than-normal uterus for gestational age Elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
A woman in the third trimester of pregnancy with a diagnosis of mild preeclampsia is being monitored at home. The home care nurse teaches the woman about the signs that need to be reported to the health care provider (HCP). The nurse should tell the woman to call the HCP if which occurs?
Weight increases by more than 1 pound in a week.
The nurse is collecting data on clients who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. The nurse is concerned with identifying clients who may be at risk for the development of postpartum complications. Which client is least likely to be at risk for the development of thrombophlebitis in the postpartum period?
A 26-year-old client with a family history of thrombophlebitis
The nurse is collecting data from a client who is at 32 weeks' gestation. The nurse measures the fundal height in centimeters and expects the findings to be how many centimeters (cm)?
32 cm
The nurse is collecting data on a pregnant client in the first trimester of pregnancy diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. The nurse should monitor the client to detect which manifestation indicating that this problem has not yet resolved?
Complaints of daily headaches and fatigue
The nurse is performing a measurement of fundal height in a client whose pregnancy has reached 36 weeks of gestation. During the measurement the client begins to feel lightheaded. On the basis of knowledge of the physiological changes of pregnancy, the nurse understands that which is the cause of the lightheadedness?
Compression of the vena cava
The home care nurse is visiting a prenatal client who has a history of heart disease. The nurse provides instructions to the client regarding home care measures to promote a healthy pregnancy and includes which measure in that instruction?
Restrict visitors who may have an active infection.
A rubella titer is performed on a client who has just been told that she is pregnant. The results of the titer indicate that the client is not immune to rubella. Which should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for this client?
Retesting rubella titer during pregnancy
A clinic nurse is explaining to a client the changes in the integumentary system that occur during pregnancy and should tell the client that which change may persist after she gives birth?
Striae gravidarum
A client who has just been told that she is pregnant wants to know when the baby's heart will be completely developed and beating. The nurse reads in the client's chart that the health care provider has determined the client to be at 6 weeks' gestation. What is the nurse's best response?
"Your baby's heart right now has double heart chambers and has begun to beat, so we should be able to see it beat using an ultrasound machine."
The nurse is teaching a pregnant client with diabetes about nutrition and insulin needs during pregnancy. The nurse determines that the client understands dietary and insulin needs if the client states that which may be required during the second half of pregnancy?
Increased insulin
The nurse is performing a prenatal assessment on a pregnant client. The nurse should plan to implement teaching related to risk for abruptio placentae if which information is obtained on assessment?
The client has a history of hypertension.
The nurse is collecting data from a client seen in the health care clinic for a first prenatal visit. The nurse asks the client when the first day of her last menstrual period was and the client reports February 9, 2018. Using Nägele's rule, the nurse determines that what is the estimated date of delivery? Fill in the blank. Record your answer using 6 digits (mmddyy).
111618
A pregnant woman in her second trimester calls the prenatal clinic nurse to report a recent exposure to a child with rubella. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate and supportive to the woman?
"You were wise to call. I will check your rubella titer screening results, and we can immediately identify whether future interventions are needed."
A pregnant client at 10 weeks' gestation calls the prenatal clinic to report a recent exposure to a child with rubella. The nurse reviews the client's chart. What is the nurse's best response to the client? Refer to the chart.
"You were wise to call. Your rubella titer indicates that you are immune and your baby is not at risk."
A nursing student is preparing to instruct a pregnant client in performing Kegel exercises. The nursing instructor asks the student the purpose of Kegel exercises. Which response made by the student indicates an understanding of the purpose? Select all that apply.
"The exercises will help strengthen the pelvic floor in preparation for delivery." "The exercises will help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra."
The nurse provides instructions to a malnourished client regarding iron supplementation during pregnancy. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates an understanding of the instructions?
"The iron is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach."
The nurse should make which statement to a pregnant client found to have a gynecoid pelvis?
"Your type of pelvis is the most favorable for labor and birth."
A couple is seen in the fertility clinic. After several tests it has been determined that the husband is not sterile and that the wife has nonpatent fallopian tubes. The nurse is preparing the woman and her husband for an in vitro fertilization. Which statement by the woman or her spouse indicates a need for further information about the procedure?
"The procedure is performed using artificial insemination of sperm instilled through the vagina."
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client seen in the health care clinic for a first prenatal visit. The client reports February 9 as the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). Using Nägele's rule, what date later that same year will the nurse relay as the client's due date? Fill in the blank. Record your answer using 4 digits (mmdd).
1116
The nurse is reviewing the record of a client who has just been told that a pregnancy test is positive. Based on her last normal menstrual period, she is 8 weeks' gestation. Appropriate physical assessments are completed. Which findings are anticipated to be present at this time? Select all that apply.
A softening of the cervix Bluish discoloration of the vaginal tissue The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine
The nurse is providing instructions to a pregnant client who is scheduled for an amniocentesis. What instruction should the nurse provide?
An informed consent needs to be signed before the procedure.
A pregnant client asks the nurse in the clinic, "When will I begin to feel fetal movement?" Which response should the nurse make?
Between 16 and 20 weeks
The nurse is caring for a client with preeclampsia who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of magnesium sulfate. When gathering items to be available for the client, which highest priority item should the nurse obtain?
Calcium gluconate injection
A pregnant client is seen for a regular prenatal visit and tells the nurse that she is experiencing irregular contractions. The nurse determines that she is experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. On the basis of this finding, which nursing action is appropriate?
Inform the client that these contractions are common and may occur throughout the pregnancy.
A pregnant client reports to the health care clinic complaining of loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. A sputum culture is obtained, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is identified in the sputum. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client regarding therapeutic management of tuberculosis?
Isoniazid plus rifampin will be required for a total of 9 months.
The nurse is preparing to care for a client who is being admitted to the hospital with a possible diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The nurse develops a plan of care for the client and determines that which nursing action is the priority?
Monitoring the apical pulse
The clinic nurse is instructing a pregnant client in her first trimester about nutrition. The nurse should determine that the client needs further teaching if the client believes that which is true about nutrition during pregnancy?
Pregnancy greatly increases the risk of malnourishment for the mother.
A maternity unit nurse is creating a plan of care for a client with severe preeclampsia who will be admitted to the nursing unit. The nurse should include which nursing intervention in the plan?
Reduce external stimuli.
A client in week 35 of her pregnancy is placed on the fetal heart monitor for a nonstress test (NST) as a result of her complaints of decreased fetal movement. Twenty minutes after placing the client on the monitor, the nurse sees the following monitor strip and makes which conclusion regarding the NST?
The FHR is reactive, with a baseline of 130 beats/minute, moderate variability, and no decelerations.
A 25-year-old woman arrives on the maternity unit on February 2. She states that her estimated date of delivery (EDD) is March 22. She is verbalizing complaints of dull lower back pain, pelvic heaviness, and diarrhea for the past few days. On admission for observation, the client's blood pressure is 128/80 mm Hg, pulse is 100 beats/minute, respirations are 16 breaths/minute, and temperature is 99°F. The nurse plans care based on which interpretation?
The woman requires further evaluation for preterm labor.
The prenatal client asks the nurse about substances that can cross the placental barrier and potentially affect the fetus. The nurse most appropriately explains that which substances can cross this barrier? Select all that apply.
Viruses Nutrients Antibodies Medications
The nurse is instructing a pregnant client on measures to increase iron in the diet. The nurse should tell the client to consume which food that contains the highest source of dietary iron?
Whole-grain cereal
A pregnant woman tests positive for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The woman asks the nurse if she will be able to breast-feed the baby as planned after delivery. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"Breast-feeding is allowed after the baby has been vaccinated with immune globulin."
A couple comes to the family planning clinic and asks about sterilization procedures. Which question by the nurse should determine whether this method of family planning would be most appropriate?
"Do you plan to have any other children?"
The clinic nurse is providing instructions to a pregnant client regarding measures that assist in alleviating heartburn. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?
"I should avoid eating foods that produce gas and fatty foods."
The nurse implements a teaching plan for a pregnant client who is newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I should avoid exercise because of the negative effects on insulin production."
The client is being seen at 24 weeks' gestation at the prenatal clinic. At her last routine visit, the fundus was located at the umbilicus. Today, the fundus is measured and found to be 23 cm. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
Fundus is at the appropriate level.
The nurse is reviewing the record of a client who has just been told that her pregnancy test is positive. The health care provider has documented the presence of first trimester pregnancy signs. Which signs should the nurse anticipate as being present during this time frame? Select all that apply.
Hegar's sign Goodell's sign Chadwick's sign
The nurse has provided instructions to a pregnant client who is preparing to take iron supplements. The nurse determines that the client understands the instructions if she states that she will take the supplements with which item?
Orange juice
A pregnant primigravida is seen in the health care clinic and asks the nurse what causes the breasts to change in size and appearance during pregnancy. The nurse plans to base the response on which facts? Select all that apply.
The breast changes occur because of the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. Blood vessels beneath the skin often appear as a blue, intertwining network, especially in a primigravida.
The home care nurse visits a pregnant client who has a diagnosis of mild preeclampsia. Which assessment finding indicates a worsening of the preeclampsia and the need to notify the health care provider (HCP)?
The client complains of a headache and blurred vision.
The nurse is reviewing fetal development with a client who is at 36 weeks' gestation. Which statements describe the characteristics that are present in a fetus at this time? Select all that apply.
The fetus is approximately 42 to 48 cm long. The lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio is greater than 2:1.
The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client with a history of cardiac disease who has just been told that she is pregnant. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates a need for further instruction?
"During the pregnancy, I need to avoid contact with other individuals as much as possible to prevent infection."
A clinic nurse is instructing a pregnant client regarding dietary measures to promote a healthy pregnancy. The nurse tells the client about the importance of an adequate daily fluid intake. Which client statement best indicates an understanding of the daily fluid requirement?
"I should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid each day, of which at least 6 glasses should be water."
The nurse in a health care clinic is instructing a client on how to perform kick counts. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I should lie on my back to perform the procedure."
The nurse is assisting in conducting a prenatal session with a group of expectant parents. One of the expectant parents asks, "How does the milk get secreted from the breast?" What should be the nurse's response?
"Prolactin stimulates the secretion of milk, which is called lactogenesis."
The nurse is preparing to teach a prenatal class about fetal circulation. Which statements should be included in the teaching plan? Select all that apply.
"The ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs." "One vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus." "Two arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away from the fetus to the placenta."
A pregnant woman has a positive history of genital herpes but has not had lesions during this pregnancy. What should the nurse plan to tell the client?
"You will be evaluated at the time of delivery for genital lesions, and if any are present, a cesarean delivery will be needed."
The nurse is providing instructions to a pregnant client with a history of cardiac disease regarding appropriate dietary measures. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates an understanding of the information provided by the nurse?
"I should drink adequate fluids and increase my intake of high-fiber foods."
During a routine prenatal visit, a client complains of gums that bleed easily with brushing. The nurse performs an assessment and then teaches the client about proper nutrition to minimize this problem. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates an understanding of the proper nutritional measures to minimize this problem?
"I will eat fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks and for dessert each day."
A pregnant woman seen in the health care clinic has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). What can the nurse determine based on this information?
HIV antibodies are detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.
The nursing instructor asks a nursing student who is preparing to assist with the assessment of an 18 weeks' gestation gravida 2, para 1 (G2P1) pregnant woman to describe expectations related to the process of quickening. Which statements, if made by the student, indicate an understanding of this process? Select all that apply.
"It is the fetal movement that is felt by the mother." "It is typically experienced by the multigravida client between 16 and 18 weeks' gestation."
A primigravida asks the nurse in the clinic when she will be able to begin to feel the fetus move. The nurse responds by telling the mother that fetal movements will be noted between which weeks of gestation?
18 and 20
A client with severe preeclampsia is admitted to the maternity department. Which room assignment is most appropriate for this client?
A private room 2 doors away from the nurses' station
A contraction stress test is scheduled for a pregnant woman, and she asks the nurse to describe the test. What should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
An external monitor is attached in order to view fetal heart rate response to an established contraction pattern. The uterus is stimulated to contract by the administration of small amounts of oxytocin or by nipple stimulation.
A 35-week-gestation pregnant woman is transferred to the maternity unit from the emergency department, where she was treated for minor injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash. The maternity nurse's priority will be to assess for which complication?
Abruptio placentae
The nursing instructor asks a nursing student to explain the characteristics of the amniotic fluid. The student responds correctly by explaining which as characteristics of amniotic fluid? Select all that apply.
Allows for fetal movement Surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus Maintains the body temperature of the fetus Can be used to measure fetal kidney function
The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a woman scheduled for her weekly prenatal appointment. The nurse notes that the woman has been diagnosed with mild preeclampsia. Which interventions should the nurse include in planning nursing care for this client? Select all that apply.
Assess blood pressure. Check the urine for protein. Assess deep tendon reflexes. Teach the importance of keeping track of a daily weight.
The nurse is reviewing the record of a pregnant woman and notes that the health care provider has documented the presence of Chadwick's sign. Which assessment finding supports the presence of Chadwick's sign?
Bluish discoloration of cervix and vagina
The nurse is teaching a pregnant client about the physiological effects and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The client asks the nurse about the role of estrogen in pregnancy. Which responses should the nurse give the client about the role of estrogen? Select all that apply.
It increases the blood flow to mucous membranes and causes them to swell and soften. It stimulates uterine development to provide an environment for the fetus and stimulates the breasts to prepare for lactation.
The nurse has assisted in performing a nonstress test on a pregnant client and is reviewing the documentation related to the results of the test. The nurse notes that the health care provider has documented the test results as reactive. How should the nurse interpret this result?
Normal findings
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of placenta previa. The nurse collects data knowing that which are characteristic of placenta previa? Select all that apply.
Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding Location in the lower uterine segment
A pregnant client at 16 weeks' gestation reports to the health care clinic for a triple screen test. The nurse determines that the client understands the purpose of this test when the client makes which statements? Select all that apply.
"This test can be used as a screening for spina bifida." "This test is a screening test, and I will need other testing if I have abnormal results." "This test can indicate if I may be at an increased risk for having a child with Down syndrome."
The nurse is providing instructions to a pregnant client visiting the antenatal clinic about foods that are rich in folic acid. Which food should the nurse encourage the client to consume because it is highest in folic acid?
Green leafy vegetables
A woman in the third trimester of pregnancy visits the clinic for a scheduled prenatal appointment. The woman tells the nurse that she frequently has leg cramps, primarily when she is reclining. Once thrombophlebitis has been ruled out, the nurse should tell the woman to implement which measure to alleviate the leg cramps?
Apply heat to the affected area.
The nurse reviews the assessment history for a client with a suspected ectopic pregnancy. Which assessment findings predispose the client to an ectopic pregnancy? Select all that apply.
Use of fertility medications History of Chlamydia Use of an intrauterine device History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
The nursing instructor asks the student to describe fetal circulation, specifically the ductus venosus. Which statement by the student indicates an understanding of the ductus venosus?
"It connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava."
A client in her second trimester of pregnancy is seen at the health care clinic. The nurse collects data from the client and notes that the fetal heart rate is 90 beats/minute. Which nursing action is appropriate?
Notify the health care provider (HCP).
The nurse encourages a pregnant client who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive to immediately report any early signs of vaginal discharge or perineal tenderness to the health care provider. The client asks the nurse about the importance of this action, and the nurse responds by making which statement to the client?
"This is necessary to assist in identifying potential infections that may need to be treated."