OB Final Exam (Lowdermilk)

1. A perinatal nurse is caring for a woman in the immediate postbirth period. Assessment reveals that the client is experiencing profuse bleeding. What is the most likely cause for this bleeding? a. Uterine atony b. Uterine inversion c. Vaginal hematoma d. Vaginal laceration

A

11. Which condition is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment? a. Inversion of the uterus b. Hypotonic uterus c. ITP d. Uterine atony

A

3. What is the most common reason for late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)? a. Subinvolution of the uterus b. Defective vascularity of the decidua c. Cervical lacerations d. Coagulation disorders

A

1. What is the most likely cause for early decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern? a. Altered fetal cerebral blood flow b. Umbilical cord compression c. Uteroplacental insufficiency d. Spontaneous rupture of membranes

A (Early decelerations are the fetus response to fetal head compression; these are considered benign, and interventions are not necessary. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression. Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Spontaneous rupture of membranes has no bearing on the FHR unless the umbilical cord prolapses, which would result in variable or prolonged bradycardia.)

2. Which clinical finding or intervention might be considered the rationale for fetal tachycardia to occur? a. Maternal fever b. Umbilical cord prolapse c. Regional anesthesia d. Magnesium sulfate administration

A (Fetal tachycardia can be considered an early sign of fetal hypoxemia and may also result from maternal or fetal infection. Umbilical cord prolapse, regional anesthesia, and the administration of magnesium sulfate will each more likely result in fetal bradycardia, not tachycardia.)

6. When assessing a woman in the first stage of labor, which clinical finding will alert the nurse that uterine contractions are effective? a. Dilation of the cervix b. Descent of the fetus to 2 station c. Rupture of the amniotic membranes d. Increase in bloody show

A (The vaginal examination reveals whether the woman is in true labor. Cervical change, especially dilation, in the presence of adequate labor, indicates that the woman is in true labor. Engagement and descent of the fetus are not synonymous and may occur before labor. ROM may occur with or without the presence of labor. Bloody show may indicate a slow, progressive cervical change (e.g., effacement) in both true and false labor.)

3. The nurse is caring for a client in early labor. Membranes ruptured approximately 2 hours earlier. This client is at increased risk for which complication? a. Intrauterine infection b. Hemorrhage c. Precipitous labor d. Supine hypotension

A (When the membranes rupture, microorganisms from the vagina can ascend into the amniotic sac, causing chorioamnionitis and placentitis. ROM is not associated with fetal or maternal bleeding. Although ROM may increase the intensity of the contractions and facilitate active labor, it does not result in precipitous labor. ROM has no correlation with supine hypotension.)

2. Women who have participated in childbirth education classes often bring a birth plan with them to the hospital. Which items might this plan include? (Select all that apply.) a. Presence of companions b. Clothing to be worn c. Care and handling of the newborn d. Medical interventions e. Date of delivery

A, B, C, D (The presence of companions, clothing to be worn, care and handling of the newborn, medical interventions, and environmental modifications all might be included in the couples birth plan. Other items include the presence of nonessential medical personnel (students), labor activities such as the tub or ambulation, preferred comfort and relaxation methods, and any cultural or religious requirements. The expected date of delivery would not be part of a birth plan unless the client is scheduled for an elective cesarean birth.)

1. Emergency conditions during labor that would require immediate nursing intervention can arise with startling speed. Which situations are examples of such an emergency? (Select all that apply.) a. Nonreassuring or abnormal FHR pattern b. Inadequate uterine relaxation c. Vaginal bleeding d. Prolonged second stage e. Prolapse of the cord

A, B, C, E (A nonreassuring or abnormal FHR pattern, inadequate uterine relaxation, vaginal bleeding, infection, and cord prolapse all constitute an emergency during labor that requires immediate nursing intervention. A prolonged second stage of labor after the upper limits for duration is reached. This is 3 hours for nulliparous women and 2 hours for multiparous women.)

Which medications are used to manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)? (Select all that apply.) A. Oxytocin B. Methergine C. Terbutaline D. Hemabate E. Magnesium sulfate

A, B, D

2. Lacerations of the cervix, vagina, or perineum are also causes of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Which factors influence the causes and incidence of obstetric lacerations of the lower genital tract? (Select all that apply.) A. Operative and precipitate births B. Adherent retained placenta C. Abnormal presentation of the fetus D. Congenital abnormalities of the maternal soft tissue E. Previous scarring from infection

A, C, D, E

A woman at 10 weeks of gestation who is seen in the prenatal clinic with presumptive signs and symptoms of pregnancy likely will have: A. amenorrhea. B. positive pregnancy test. C. Chadwick's sign. D. Hegar's sign.

A. amenorrhea.

The nurse must be cognizant that an individual's genetic makeup is known as his or her: A. genotype. B. phenotype. C. karyotype. D. chromotype.

A. gentotype

A new mother asks the nurse about the "white substance" covering her infant. The nurse explains that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to: A. protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid. B. promote normal peripheral nervous system development. C. allow transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion. D. regulate fetal temperature.

A. protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid.

The corrected age of an infant who was born at 25 1/7 weeks and is preparing for discharge 124 days past delivery is ______________.

ANS: 42 6/7 weeks The age of a preterm newborn is corrected by adding the gestational age and the postnatal age. For example, an infant born at 32 weeks of gestation 4 weeks ago would now be considered 36 weeks of age. (32 + 4 = 36).

An infant at 26 weeks of gestation arrives intubated from the delivery room. The nurse weighs the infant, places him under the radiant warmer, and attaches him to the ventilator at the prescribed settings. A pulse oximeter and cardiorespiratory monitor are placed. The pulse oximeter is recording oxygen saturations of 80%. The prescribed saturations are 92%. What is the nurse's most appropriate action at this time? a.Listening to breath sounds, and ensuring the patency of the endotracheal tube, increasing oxygen, and notifying a physician b.Continuing to observe and making no changes until the saturations are 75% c.Continuing with the admission process to ensure that a thorough assessment is completed d.Notifying the parents that their infant is not doing well

ANS: A Listening to breath sounds and ensuring the patency of the endotracheal tube, increasing oxygen, and notifying a physician are appropriate nursing interventions to assist in optimal oxygen saturation of the infant. Oxygen saturation should be maintained above 92%, and oxygenation status of the infant is crucial. The nurse should delay other tasks to stabilize the infant. Notifying the parents that the infant is not doing well is not an appropriate action. Further assessment and intervention are warranted before determining fetal status.

A pregnant woman was admitted for induction of labor at 43 weeks of gestation with sure dates. A nonstress test (NST) in the obstetrician's office revealed a nonreactive tracing. On artificial rupture of membranes, thick meconium-stained fluid was noted. What should the nurse caring for the infant after birth anticipate? a.Meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, and dry, cracked skin b.Excessive vernix caseosa covering the skin, lethargy, and RDS c.Golden yellow to green-stained skin and nails, absence of scalp hair, and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat d.Hyperglycemia, hyperthermia, and an alert, wide-eyed appearance

ANS: A Meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, and dry, cracked skin are consistent with a postmature infant. Excessive vernix caseosa, lethargy, and RDS are consistent with a very premature infant. The skin may be meconium stained, but the infant will most likely have long hair and decreased amounts of subcutaneous fat. Postmaturity with a nonreactive NST is indicative of hypoxia. Signs and symptoms associated with fetal hypoxia are hypoglycemia, temperature instability, and lethargy.

During the assessment of a preterm infant, the nurse notices continued respiratory distress even though oxygen and ventilation have been provided. In this situation, which condition should the nurse suspect? a.Hypovolemia and/or shock b.Excessively cool environment c.Central nervous system (CNS) injury d.Pending renal failure

ANS: A Other symptoms might include hypotension, prolonged capillary refill, and tachycardia, followed by bradycardia. Intervention is necessary. Preterm infants are susceptible to temperature instability. The goal of thermoregulation is to provide a neutral thermal environment. Hypoglycemia is likely to occur if the infant is attempting to conserve heat. CNS injury is manifested by hyperirritability, seizures, and abnormal movements of the extremities. Urine output and testing of specific gravity are appropriate interventions for the infant with suspected renal failure. This neonate is unlikely to be delivered with respiratory distress.

A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents? a."Surfactant improves the ability of your baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide." b."The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation." c."Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea." d."Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection."

ANS: A Surfactant can be administered as an adjunct to oxygen and ventilation therapy. With the administration of an artificial surfactant, respiratory compliance is improved until the infant can generate enough surfactant on his or her own. Surfactant has no bearing on the sedation needs of the infant. Surfactant is used to improve respiratory compliance, including the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The goal of surfactant therapy in an infant with RDS is to stimulate the production of surfactant in the type 2 cells of the alveoli. The clinical presentation of RDS and neonatal pneumonia may be similar. The infant may be started on broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat infection.

What is the most important nursing action in preventing neonatal infection? a.Good handwashing b.Isolation of infected infants c.Separate gown technique d.Standard Precautions

ANS: A Virtually all controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that effective handwashing is responsible for the prevention of nosocomial infection in nursery units. Measures to be taken include Standard Precautions, careful and thorough cleaning, frequent replacement of used equipment, and disposal of excrement and linens in an appropriate manner. Overcrowding must be avoided in nurseries. However, the most important nursing action for preventing neonatal infection is effective handwashing.

Which risk factors are associated with NEC (Necrotizing enterocolitis)? (Select all that apply.) a.Polycythemia b.Anemia c.Congenital heart disease d.Bronchopulmonary dysphasia e.Retinopathy

ANS: A, B, C Risk factors for NEC include asphyxia, RDS, umbilical artery catheterization, exchange transfusion, early enteral feedings, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), congenital heart disease, polycythemia, anemia, shock, and gastrointestinal infection. Bronchopulmonary dysphasia and retinopathy are not associated with NEC

Infants born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation are called late-preterm infants because they have many needs similar to those of preterm infants. Because they are more stable than early-preterm infants, they may receive care that is similar to that of a full-term baby. These infants are at increased risk for which conditions? (Select all that apply.) a.Problems with thermoregulation b.Cardiac distress c.Hyperbilirubinemia d.Sepsis e.Hyperglycemia

ANS: A, C, D Thermoregulation problems, hyperbilirubinemia, and sepsis are all conditions related to immaturity and warrant close observation. After discharge, the infant is at risk for rehospitalization related to these problems. Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) launched the Near-Term Infant Initiative to study the problem and ways to ensure that these infants receive adequate care. The nurse should ensure that this infant is adequately feeding before discharge and that parents are taught the signs and symptoms of these complications. Late-preterm infants are also at increased risk for respiratory distress and hypoglycemia.

A premature infant never seems to sleep longer than an hour at a time. Each time a light is turned on, an incubator closes, or people talk near her crib, she wakes up and inconsolably cries until held. What is the correct nursing diagnosis beginning with "ineffective coping, related to"? a.Severe immaturity b.Environmental stress c.Physiologic distress d.Behavioral responses

ANS: B "Ineffective coping, related to environmental stress" is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this infant. Light and sound are known adverse stimuli that add to an already stressed premature infant. The nurse must closely monitor the environment for sources of overstimulation. Although the infant may be severely immature in this case, she is responding to environmental stress. Physiologic distress is the response to environmental stress. The result is stress cues such as increased metabolic rate, increased oxygen and caloric use, and depression of the immune system. The infant's behavioral response to the environmental stress is crying. The appropriate nursing diagnosis reflects the cause of this response.

In appraising the growth and development potential of a preterm infant, the nurse should be cognizant of the information that is best described in which statement? a.Tell the parents that their child will not catch up until approximately age 10 years (for girls) to age 12 years (for boys). b.Correct for milestones, such as motor competencies and vocalizations, until the child is approximately 2 years of age. c.Know that the greatest catch-up period is between 9 and 15 months postconceptual age. d.Know that the length and breadth of the trunk is the first part of the infant to experience catch-up growth.

ANS: B Corrections are made with a formula that adds gestational age and postnatal age. Whether a girl or boy, the infant experiences catch-up body growth during the first 2 to 3 years of life. Maximum catch-up growth occurs between 36 and 40 weeks of postconceptual age. The head is the first to experience catch-up growth.

With regard to infants who are SGA (small for gestational age) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), the nurse should be aware of which information? a.In the first trimester, diseases or abnormalities result in asymmetric IUGR. b.Infants with asymmetric IUGR have the potential for normal growth and development. c.In asymmetric IUGR, weight is slightly larger than SGA, whereas length and head circumference are somewhat less than SGA. d.Symmetric IUGR occurs in the later stages of pregnancy.

ANS: B IUGR is either symmetric or asymmetric. The symmetric form occurs in the first trimester; infants who are SGA have reduced brain capacity. The asymmetric form occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. Weight is less than the 10th percentile; head circumference is greater than the 10th percentile. Infants with asymmetric IUGR have the potential for normal growth and development.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal mucosa. The signs of NEC are nonspecific. What are generalized signs and symptoms of this condition? a.Hypertonia, tachycardia, and metabolic alkalosis b.Abdominal distention, temperature instability, and grossly bloody stools c.Hypertension, absence of apnea, and ruddy skin color d.Scaphoid abdomen, no residual with feedings, and increased urinary output

ANS: B Some generalized signs of NEC include decreased activity, hypotonia, pallor, recurrent apnea and bradycardia, decreased oxygen saturation values, respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, oliguria, hypotension, decreased perfusion, temperature instability, cyanosis, abdominal distention, residual gastric aspirates, vomiting, grossly bloody stools, abdominal tenderness, and erythema of the abdominal wall. The infant may display hypotonia, bradycardia, and metabolic acidosis.

A newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after being delivered at 29 weeks of gestation to a 28-year-old multiparous, married, Caucasian woman whose pregnancy was uncomplicated until the premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth. The newborn's parents arrive for their first visit after the birth. The parents walk toward the bedside but remain approximately 5 feet away from the bed. What is the nurse's most appropriate action? a.Wait quietly at the newborn's bedside until the parents come closer. b.Go to the parents, introduce him or herself, and gently encourage them to meet their infant. Explain the equipment first, and then focus on the newborn. c.Leave the parents at the bedside while they are visiting so that they have some privacy. d.Tell the parents only about the newborn's physical condition and caution them to avoid touching their baby.

ANS: B The nurse is instrumental in the initial interactions with the infant. The nurse can help the parents see the infant rather than focus on the equipment. The importance and purpose of the apparatus that surrounds their infant also should be explained to them. Parents often need encouragement and recognition from the nurse to acknowledge the reality of the infant's condition. Parents need to see and touch their infant as soon as possible to acknowledge the reality of the birth and the infant's appearance and condition. Encouragement from the nurse is instrumental in this process. Telling the parents to avoid touching their baby is inappropriate and unhelpful.

An infant is to receive gastrostomy feedings. Which intervention should the nurse institute to prevent bloating, gastrointestinal reflux into the esophagus, vomiting, and respiratory compromise? a.Rapid bolusing of the entire amount in 15 minutes b.Warm cloths to the abdomen for the first 10 minutes c.Slow, small, warm bolus feedings over 30 minutes d.Cold, medium bolus feedings over 20 minutes

ANS: C Feedings by gravity are slowly accomplished over 20- to 30-minute periods to prevent adverse reactions. Rapid bolusing would most likely lead to the adverse reactions listed. Temperature stability in the newborn is critical. Applying warm cloths to the abdomen would not be appropriate because the environment is not thermoregulated. In addition, abdominal warming is not indicated with feedings of any kind. Small feedings at room temperature are recommended to prevent adverse reactions.

With regard to an eventual discharge of the high-risk newborn or the transfer of the newborn to a different facility, which information is essential to provide to the parents? a.Infants stay in the NICU until they are ready to go home. b.Once discharged to go home, the high-risk infant should be treated like any healthy term newborn. c.Parents of high-risk infants need special support and detailed contact information. d.If a high-risk infant and mother need to be transferred to a specialized regional center, then waiting until after the birth and until the infant is stabilized is best.

ANS: C High-risk infants can cause profound parental stress and emotional turmoil. Parents need support, special teaching, and quick access to various resources available to help them care for their baby. Parents and their high-risk infant should get to spend a night or two in a predischarge room, where care for the infant is provided away from the NICU. Simply because high-risk infants are eventually discharged does not mean they are normal, healthy babies. Follow-up by specialized practitioners is essential. Ideally, the mother and baby are transported with the fetus in utero; this reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality.

A nurse practicing in the perinatal setting should promote kangaroo care regardless of an infant's gestational age. Which statement regarding this intervention is most appropriate? a.Kangaroo care was adopted from classical British nursing traditions. b.This intervention helps infants with motor and CNS impairments. c.Kangaroo care helps infants interact directly with their parents and enhances their temperature regulation. d.This intervention gets infants ready for breastfeeding.

ANS: C Kangaroo care is skin-to-skin holding in which the infant, dressed only in a diaper, is placed directly on the parent's bare chest and then covered. The procedure helps infants interact with their parents and regulates their temperature, among other developmental benefits. Kangaroo care was established in Bogota, Colombia, assists the infant in maintaining an organized state, and decreases pain perception during heelsticks. Even premature infants who are unable to suckle benefit from kangaroo care. This practice fosters increased vigor and an enhanced breastfeeding experience as the infant matures.

For clinical purposes, the most accurate definition of preterm and post-term infants is defined as what? a.Preterm: Before 34 weeks of gestation if the infant is appropriate for gestational age (AGA); before 37 weeks if the infant is small for gestational age (SGA) b.Postterm: After 40 weeks of gestation if the infant is large for gestational age (LGA); beyond 42 weeks if the infant is AGA c.Preterm: Before 37 weeks of gestation and postterm beyond 42 weeks of gestation; no matter the size for gestational age at birth d.Preterm: Before 38 to 40 weeks of gestation if the infant is SGA; postterm, beyond 40 to 42 weeks gestation if the infant is LGA

ANS: C Preterm and postterm are strictly measures of time—before 37 weeks and beyond 42 weeks, respectively—regardless of the size for gestational age.

An infant is being discharged from the NICU after 70 days of hospitalization. The infant was born at 30 weeks of gestation with several conditions associated with prematurity, including RDS, mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), requiring surgical treatment. During discharge teaching, the infant's mother asks the nurse if her baby will meet developmental milestones on time, as did her son who was born at term. What is the nurse's most appropriate response? a."Your baby will develop exactly like your first child." b."Your baby does not appear to have any problems at this time." c."Your baby will need to be corrected for prematurity." d."Your baby will need to be followed very closely."

ANS: C The age of a preterm newborn is corrected by adding the gestational age and the postnatal age. The infant's responses are accordingly evaluated against the norm expected for the corrected age of the infant. The baby is currently 40 weeks of postconceptional age and can be expected to be doing what a 40-week-old infant would be doing. Although predicting with complete accuracy the growth and development potential of each preterm infant is impossible, certain measurable factors predict normal growth and development. The preterm infant experiences catch-up body growth during the first 2 to 3 years of life. Development needs to be evaluated over time. The growth and developmental milestones are corrected for gestational age until the child is approximately years old.

By understanding the four mechanisms of heat transfer (convection, conduction, radiation, and evaporation), the nurse can create an environment for the infant that prevents temperature instability. Which significant symptoms will the infant display when experiencing cold stress? a.Decreased respiratory rate b.Bradycardia, followed by an increased heart rate c.Mottled skin with acrocyanosis d.Increased physical activity

ANS: C The infant has minimal-to-no fat stores. During times of cold stress, the skin becomes mottled and acrocyanosis develops, progressing to cyanosis. Even if the infant is being cared for on a radiant warmer or in an isolette, the nurse's role is to observe the infant frequently to prevent heat loss and to respond quickly if signs and symptoms of cold stress occur. The respiratory rate increases, followed by periods of apnea. The infant initially tries to conserve heat and burns more calories, after which the metabolic system goes into overdrive. In the preterm infant who is experiencing heat loss, the heart rate initially increases, followed by periods of bradycardia. In the term infant, increased physical activity is the natural response to heat loss. However, in a term infant who is experiencing respiratory distress or in a preterm infant, physical activity is decreased.

Which condition might premature infants who exhibit 5 to 10 seconds of respiratory pauses, followed by 10 to 15 seconds of compensatory rapid respiration, be experiencing? a.Suffering from sleep or wakeful apnea b. Experiencing severe swings in blood pressure c.Trying to maintain a neutral thermal environment d.Breathing in a respiratory pattern common to premature infants

ANS: D Breathing in a respiratory pattern is called periodic breathing and is common to premature infants. This pattern may still require nursing intervention of oxygen and/or ventilation. Apnea is the cessation of respirations for 20 seconds or longer and should not be confused with periodic breathing.

Which clinical findings would alert the nurse that the neonate is expressing pain? a.Low-pitched crying; tachycardia; eyelids open wide b.Cry face; flaccid limbs; closed mouth c.High-pitched, shrill cry; withdrawal; change in heart rate d.Cry face; eyes squeezed; increase in blood pressure

ANS: D Crying and an increased heart rate are manifestations indicative of pain in the neonate. Typically, infants tightly close their eyes when in pain, not open them wide. In addition, infants may display a rigid posture with the mouth open and may also withdraw limbs and become tachycardic with pain. A high-pitched, shrill cry is associated with genetic or neurologic anomalies.

When providing an infant with a gavage feeding, which infant assessment should be documented each time? a.Abdominal circumference after the feeding b.Heart rate and respirations before feeding c.Suck and swallow coordination d.Response to the feeding

ANS: D Documentation of a gavage feeding should include the size of the feeding tube, the amount and quality of the residual from the previous feeding, the type and quantity of the fluid instilled, and the infant's response to the procedure. Abdominal circumference is not measured after a gavage feeding. Although vital signs may be obtained before feeding, the infant's response to the feeding is more important. Similarly, some older infants may be learning to suck; the most important factor to document would still be the infant's response to the feeding, including the attempts to suck.

On day 3 of life, a newborn continues to require 100% oxygen by nasal cannula. The parents ask if they may hold their infant during his next gavage feeding. Considering that this newborn is physiologically stable, what response should the nurse provide? a."Parents are not allowed to hold their infants who are dependent on oxygen." b."You may only hold your baby's hand during the feeding." c."Feedings cause more physiologic stress; therefore, the baby must be closely monitored. I don't think you should hold the baby." d."You may hold your baby during the feeding."

ANS: D Physical contact with the infant is important to establish early bonding. The nurse as the support person and teacher is responsible for shaping the environment and making the caregiving responsive to the needs of both the parents and the infant. Allowing the parents to hold their baby is the most appropriate response by the nurse. Parental interaction by holding should be encouraged during gavage feedings; nasal cannula oxygen therapy allows for easy feedings and psychosocial interactions. The parent can swaddle the infant or provide kangaroo care while gavage feeding their infant. Both swaddling and kangaroo care during feedings provide positive interactions for the infant and help the infant associate feedings with positive interactions.

When evaluating the preterm infant, the nurse understands that compared with the term infant, what information is important for the nurse to understand? a.Few blood vessels visible through the skin b.More subcutaneous fat c.Well-developed flexor muscles d.Greater surface area in proportion to weight

ANS: D Preterm infants have greater surface area in proportion to their weight. More subcutaneous fat and well-developed muscles are indications of a more mature infant.

Because of the premature infant's decreased immune functioning, what nursing diagnosis should the nurse include in a plan of care for a premature infant? a.Delayed growth and development b.Ineffective thermoregulation c.Ineffective infant feeding pattern d.Risk for infection

ANS: D The nurse needs to understand that decreased immune functioning increases the risk for infection. Growth and development, thermoregulation, and feeding may be affected, although only indirectly.

13. What would a steady trickle of bright red blood from the vagina in the presence of a firm fundus suggest to the nurse? a. Uterine atony b. Lacerations of the genital tract c. Perineal hematoma d. Infection of the uterus

B

2. What is the primary nursing responsibility when caring for a client who is experiencing an obstetric hemorrhage associated with uterine atony? a. Establishing venous access b. Performing fundal massage c. Preparing the woman for surgical intervention d. Catheterizing the bladder

B

4. Which client is at greatest risk for early PPH? a. Primiparous woman (G 2, P 1-0-0-1) being prepared for an emergency cesarean birth for fetal distress b. Woman with severe preeclampsia on magnesium sulfate whose labor is being induced c. Multiparous woman (G 3, P 2-0-0-2) with an 8-hour labor d. Primigravida in spontaneous labor with preterm twins

B

A woman is 15 weeks pregnant with her first baby. She asks how long it will be before she feels the baby move. The best answer is: A. "You should have felt the baby move by now." B. "Within the next month, you should start to feel fluttering sensations." C. "The baby is moving; however, you can't feel it until the end of your pregnancy." D. "Some babies are quiet, and you don't feel them move."

B. "Within the next month, you should start to feel fluttering sensations."

Fundal height is measured at every prenatal visit and should correlate with fetal growth within 1-2 cm of gestational age starting at ______ weeks of gestation. A. 16 weeks B. 20 weeks C. 24 weeks D. 28 weeks

B. 20 weeks

A woman's obstetric history indicates that she is pregnant for the fourth time and all of her children from previous pregnancies are living. One was born at 39 weeks of gestation, twins were born at 34 weeks of gestation, and another child was born at 35 weeks of gestation. What is her gravidity and parity using the GTPAL system? A. 3-1-1-1-3 B. 4-1-2-0-4 C. 3-0-3-0-3 D. 4-2-1-0-3

B. 4-1-2-0-4

A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which level? A. Not palpable above the symphysis at this time B. Slightly above the symphysis pubis C. At the level of the umbilicus D. Slightly above the umbilicus

B. Slightly above the symphysis pubis

A pregnant woman experiencing nausea and vomiting should: A. drink a glass of water with a fat-free carbohydrate before getting out of bed in the morning. B. eat small, frequent meals (every 2 to 3 hours). C. increase her intake of high-fat foods to keep the stomach full and coated. D. limit fluid intake throughout the day.

B. eat small, frequent meals (every 2 to 3 hours).

12. Which is the initial treatment for the client with vWD who experiences a PPH? a. Cryoprecipitate b. Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor (vWf) c. Desmopressin d. Hemabate

C

6. The most effective and least expensive treatment of puerperal infection is prevention. What is the most important strategy for the nurse to adopt? a. Large doses of vitamin C during pregnancy b. Prophylactic antibiotics c. Strict aseptic technique, including hand washing, by all health care personnel d. Limited protein and fat intake

C

9. A woman who has recently given birth complains of pain and tenderness in her leg. On physical examination, the nurse notices warmth and redness over an enlarged, hardened area. Which condition should the nurse suspect, and how will it be confirmed? a. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); asking for laboratory tests b. von Willebrand disease (vWD); noting whether bleeding times have been extended c. Thrombophlebitis; using real-time and color Doppler ultrasound d. Idiopathic or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP); drawing blood for laboratory analysis

C

1. Which statement by the client will assist the nurse in determining whether she is in true labor as opposed to false labor? a. I passed some thick, pink mucus when I urinated this morning. b. My bag of waters just broke. c. The contractions in my uterus are getting stronger and closer together. d. My baby dropped, and I have to urinate more frequently now.

C (Regular, strong contractions with the presence of cervical change indicate that the woman is experiencing true labor. The loss of the mucous plug (operculum) often occurs during the first stage of labor or before the onset of labor, but it is not the indicator of true labor. Spontaneous rupture of membranes (ROM) often occurs during the first stage of labor, but it is not the indicator of true labor. The presenting part of the fetus typically becomes engaged in the pelvis at the onset of labor, but this is not the indicator of true labor.)

4. The uterine contractions of a woman early in the active phase of labor are assessed by an internal uterine pressure catheter (IUPC). The uterine contractions occur every 3 to 4 minutes and last an average of 55 to 60 seconds. They are becoming more regular and are moderate to strong. Based on this information, what would a prudent nurse do next? a. Immediately notify the womans primary health care provider. b. Prepare to administer an oxytocic to stimulate uterine activity. c. Document the findings because they reflect the expected contraction pattern for the active phase of labor. d. Prepare the woman for the onset of the second stage of labor.

C (The nurse is responsible for monitoring the uterine contractions to ascertain whether they are powerful and frequent enough to accomplish the work of expelling the fetus and the placenta. In addition, the nurse documents these findings in the clients medical record. This labor pattern indicates that the client is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Nothing indicates a need to notify the primary health care provider at this time. Oxytocin augmentation is not needed for this labor pattern; this contraction pattern indicates that the woman is in active labor. Her contractions will eventually become stronger, last longer, and come closer together during the transition phase of the first stage of labor. The transition phase precedes the second stage of labor, or delivery of the fetus.)

5. Which action is correct when palpation is used to assess the characteristics and pattern of uterine contractions? a. Placing the hand on the abdomen below the umbilicus and palpating uterine tone with the fingertips b. Determining the frequency by timing from the end of one contraction to the end of the next contraction c. Evaluating the intensity by pressing the fingertips into the uterine fundus d. Assessing uterine contractions every 30 minutes throughout the first stage of labor

C (The nurse or primary health care provider may assess uterine activity by palpating the fundal section of the uterus using the fingertips. Many women may experience labor pain in the lower segment of the uterus, which may be unrelated to the firmness of the contraction detectable in the uterine fundus. The frequency of uterine contractions is determined by palpating from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. Assessment of uterine activity is performed in intervals based on the stage of labor. As labor progresses, this assessment is performed more frequently.)

A women who has never been pregnant and is not currently pregnant is a A. Gravida B. Nullipara C. Nulligravida D. Primigravida

C. Nulligravida

Which symptom is considered a warning sign and should be reported immediately by the pregnant woman to her health care provider? A. Nausea with occasional vomiting B. Fatigue C. Urinary frequency C. Vaginal bleeding

C. Vaginal bleeding

The nurse is providing genetic counseling for an expectant couple who already have a child with trisomy 18. The nurse should: A. tell the couple they need to have an abortion within 2 to 3 weeks. B. explain that the fetus has a 50% chance of having the disorder. C. discuss options with the couple, including amniocentesis to determine whether the fetus is affected. D. refer the couple to a psychologist for emotional support.

C. discuss options with the couple, including amniocentesis to determine whether the fetus is affected.

10. Which classification of placental separation is not recognized as an abnormal adherence pattern? a. Placenta accreta b. Placenta increta c. Placenta percreta d. Placenta abruptio

D

14. If nonsurgical treatment for late PPH is ineffective, which surgical procedure would be appropriate to correct the cause of this condition? a. Hysterectomy b. Laparoscopy c. Laparotomy d. Dilation and curettage (D&C)

D

5. The nurse suspects that her postpartum client is experiencing hemorrhagic shock. Which observation indicates or would confirm this diagnosis? a. Absence of cyanosis in the buccal mucosa b. Cool, dry skin c. Calm mental status d. Urinary output of at least 30 ml/hr

D

7. What is one of the initial signs and symptoms of puerperal infection in the postpartum client? a. Fatigue continuing for longer than 1 week b. Pain with voiding c. Profuse vaginal lochia with ambulation d. Temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher on 2 successive days

D

8. Nurses need to understand the basic definitions and incidence data regarding PPH. Which statement regarding this condition is most accurate? a. PPH is easy to recognize early; after all, the woman is bleeding. b. Traditionally, it takes more than 1000 ml of blood after vaginal birth and 2500 ml after cesarean birth to define the condition as PPH. c. If anything, nurses and physicians tend to overestimate the amount of blood loss. d. Traditionally, PPH has been classified as early PPH or late PPH with respect to birth.

D

2. When a nulliparous woman telephones the hospital to report that she is in labor, what guidance should the nurse provide or information should the nurse obtain? a. Tell the woman to stay home until her membranes rupture. b. Emphasize that food and fluid intake should stop. c. Arrange for the woman to come to the hospital for labor evaluation. d. Ask the woman to describe why she believes she is in labor.

D (Assessment begins at the first contact with the woman, whether by telephone or in person. By asking the woman to describe her signs and symptoms, the nurse can begin her assessment and gather data. The initial nursing activity should be to gather data about the womans status. The amniotic membranes may or may not spontaneously rupture during labor. The client may be instructed to stay home until the uterine contractions become strong and regular. Before instructing the woman to come to the hospital, the nurse should initiate her assessment during the telephone interview. After this assessment has been made, the nurse may want to discuss the appropriate oral intake for early labor, such as light foods or clear liquids, depending on the preference of the client or her primary health care provider.)

Which of the following vaccines is CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy? A. Tetanus B. Pertussis C. Influenza D. Rubella/MMR

D. Rubella/MMR

A 22-year-old woman pregnant with a single fetus has a preconception body mass index (BMI) of 24. When she was seen in the clinic at 14 weeks of gestation, she had gained 1.8 kg (4 lbs) since conception. How would the nurse interpret this? A. This weight gain indicates possible gestational hypertension. B. This weight gain indicates that the woman's infant is at risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). C. This weight gain cannot be evaluated until the woman has been observed for several more weeks. D. The woman's weight gain is appropriate for this stage of pregnancy.

D. The woman's weight gain is appropriate for this stage of pregnancy.

The _____ is/are responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport to and from the maternal bloodstream. A. decidua basalis B. blastocyst C. germ layer D. chorionic villi

D. chorionic villi

Renal function is most efficient when the women lies in the lateral recumbent position and least efficient when the women assumes a supine position. True False

True

16. Which information regarding the procedures and criteria for admitting a woman to the hospital labor unit is important for the nurse to understand? a. Client is considered to be in active labor when she arrives at the facility with contractions. b. Client can have only her male partner or predesignated doula with her at assessment. c. Children are not allowed on the labor unit. d. NonEnglish speaking client must bring someone to translate.

a (According to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), a woman is entitled to active labor care and is presumed to be in true labor until a qualified health care provider certifies otherwise. A woman may have anyone she wishes present for her support. An interpreter must be provided by the hospital, either in person or by a telephonic service. Siblings of the new infant may be allowed at the delivery, depending on hospital policy and adequate preparation and supervision.)

29. When managing the care of a woman in the second stage of labor, the nurse uses various measures to enhance the progress of fetal descent. Which instruction best describes these measures? a. Encouraging the woman to try various upright positions, including squatting and standing b. Telling the woman to start pushing as soon as her cervix is fully dilated c. Continuing an epidural anesthetic so pain is reduced and the woman can relax d. Coaching the woman to use sustained, 10- to 15-second, closed-glottis bearing-down efforts with each contraction

a (Both upright and squatting positions may enhance the progress of fetal descent. Many factors dictate when a woman should begin pushing. Complete cervical dilation is necessary, but complete dilation is only one factor. If the fetal head is still in a higher pelvic station, then the physician or midwife may allow the woman to labor down if the woman is able (allowing more time for fetal descent and thereby reducing the amount of pushing needed). The epidural may mask the sensations and muscle control needed for the woman to push effectively. Closed glottic breathing may trigger the Valsalva maneuver, which increases intrathoracic and cardiovascular pressures, reducing cardiac output and inhibiting perfusion of the uterus and placenta. In addition, holding her breath for longer than 5 to 7 seconds diminishes the perfusion of oxygen across the placenta and results in fetal hypoxia.)

26. As the United States and Canada continue to become more culturally diverse, recognizing a wide range of varying cultural beliefs and practices is increasingly important for the nursing staff. A client is from which country if she requests to have the babys father in attendance? a. Mexico b. China c. Iran d. India

a (Hispanic women routinely have fathers and female relatives in attendance during the second stage of labor. The father of the baby is expected to provide encouragement, support, and reassurance that all will be well. In China, fathers are usually not present. The side-lying position is preferred for labor and birth because it is believed that this will reduce trauma to the infant. In China, the client has a stoic response to pain. In Iran, the father will not be present. Female support persons and female health care providers are preferred. For many, a male caregiver is unacceptable. In India, the father is usually not present, but female relatives are usually in attendance. Natural childbirth methods are preferred.)

24. In recovery, if a woman is asked to either raise her legs (knees extended) off the bed or flex her knees, and then place her feet flat on the bed and raise her buttocks well off the bed, the purpose of this exercise is to assess what? a. Recovery from epidural or spinal anesthesia b. Hidden bleeding underneath her c. Flexibility d. Whether the woman is a candidate to go home after 6 hours

a (If the numb or prickly sensations are gone from her legs after these movements, then she has likely recovered from the epidural or spinal anesthesia. Assessing the client for bleeding beneath her buttocks before discharge from the recovery is always important; however, she should be rolled to her side for this assessment. The nurse is not required to assess the woman for flexibility. This assessment is performed to evaluate whether the client has recovered from spinal anesthesia, not to determine if she is a candidate for early discharge.)

17. Which component of the physical examination are Leopolds maneuvers unable to determine? a. Gender of the fetus b. Number of fetuses c. Fetal lie and attitude d. Degree of the presenting parts descent into the pelvis

a (Leopolds maneuvers help identify the number of fetuses, the fetal lie and attitude, and the degree of descent of the presenting part into the pelvis. The gender of the fetus cannot be determined by performing Leopolds maneuvers.)

30. When assessing a multiparous woman who has just given birth to an 8-pound boy, the nurse notes that the womans fundus is firm and has become globular in shape. A gush of dark red blood comes from her vagina. What is the nurses assessment of the situation? a. The placenta has separated. b. A cervical tear occurred during the birth. c. The woman is beginning to hemorrhage. d. Clots have formed in the upper uterine segment.

a (Placental separation is indicated by a firmly contracting uterus, a change in the uterus from a discoid to a globular ovoid shape, a sudden gush of dark red blood from the introitus, an apparent lengthening of the umbilical cord, and a finding of vaginal fullness. Cervical tears that do not extend to the vagina result in minimal blood loss. Signs of hemorrhage are a boggy uterus, bright red vaginal bleeding, alterations in vital signs, pallor, lightheadedness, restlessness, decreased urinary output, and alteration in the level of consciousness. If clots have formed in the upper uterine segment, then the nurse would expect to find the uterus boggy and displaced to the side.)

20. Which technique is an adequate means of controlling the birth of the fetal head during delivery in a vertex presentation? a. Ritgen maneuver b. Fundal pressure c. Lithotomy position d. De Lee apparatus

a (The Ritgen maneuver extends the head during the actual birth and protects the perineum. Gentle, steady pressure against the fundus of the uterus facilitates vaginal birth. The lithotomy position has been commonly used in Western cultures, partly because it is convenient for the health care provider. The De Lee apparatus is used to suction fluid from the infants mouth.)

13. What is the most critical nursing action in caring for the newborn immediately after the birth? a. Keeping the airway clear b. Fostering parent-newborn attachment c. Drying the newborn and wrapping the infant in a blanket d. Administering eye drops and vitamin K

a (The care given immediately after the birth focuses on assessing and stabilizing the newborn. Although fostering parent-newborn attachment is an important task for the nurse, it is not the most critical nursing action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth. The care given immediately after birth focuses on assessing and stabilizing the newborn. The nursing activities are (in order of importance) to maintain a patent airway, to support respiratory effort, and to prevent cold stress by drying the newborn and covering him or her with a warmed blanket or placing the newborn under a radiant warmer. After the newborn has been stabilized, the nurse assesses the newborns physical condition, weighs and measures the newborn, administers prophylactic eye ointment and a vitamin K injection, affixes an identification bracelet, wraps the newborn in warm blankets, and then gives the newborn to the partner or to the mother of the infant.)

9. Under which circumstance should the nurse assist the laboring woman into a hands-and-knees position? a. Occiput of the fetus is in a posterior position. b. Fetus is at or above the ischial spines. c. Fetus is in a vertex presentation. d. Membranes have ruptured.

a (The hands-and-knees position is effective in helping to rotate the fetus from a posterior to an anterior position. Many women experience the irresistible urge to push when the fetus is at the level of the ischial spines. In some cases, this urge is felt before the woman is fully dilated. The woman should be instructed not to push until complete cervical dilation has occurred. No one position is correct for childbirth. The two most common positions assumed by women are the sitting and side-lying positions. The woman may be encouraged into a hands-and-knees position if the umbilical cord prolapsed when the membranes ruptured.)

38. A laboring woman is reclining in the supine position. What is the most appropriate nursing action at this time? a. Ask her to turn to one side. b. Elevate her feet and legs. c. Take her blood pressure. d. Determine whether fetal tachycardia is present.

a (The womans supine position may cause the heavy uterus to compress her inferior vena cava, thus reducing blood return to her heart and reducing placental blood flow. Elevating her legs will not relieve the pressure from the inferior vena cava. If the woman is allowed to stay in the supine position and blood flow to the placental is reduced significantly, then fetal tachycardia may occur. The most appropriate nursing action is to prevent this from occurring by turning the woman to her side. Blood pressure readings may be obtained when the client is in the appropriate and safest position.)

19. The nurse should be aware of which information related to a womans intake and output during labor? a. Traditionally, restricting the laboring woman to clear liquids and ice chips is being challenged because regional anesthesia is used more often than general anesthesia. b. Intravenous (IV) fluids are usually necessary to ensure that the laboring woman stays hydrated. c. Routine use of an enema empties the rectum and is very helpful for producing a clean, clear delivery. d. When a nulliparous woman experiences the urge to defecate, it often means birth will quickly follow.

a (Women are awake with regional anesthesia and are able to protect their own airway, which reduces the worry over aspiration. Routine IV fluids during labor are unlikely to be beneficial and may be harmful. The routine use of an enema is, at best, ineffective and may be harmful. Having the urge to defecate followed by the birth of her fetus is true for a multiparous woman but not for a nulliparous woman.)

22. Which statement concerning the third stage of labor is correct? a. The placenta eventually detaches itself from a flaccid uterus. b. An expectant or active approach to managing this stage of labor reduces the risk of complications. c. It is important that the dark, roughened maternal surface of the placenta appears before the shiny fetal surface. d. The major risk for women during the third stage is a rapid heart rate.

b (Active management facilitates placental separation and expulsion, reducing the risk of complications. The placenta cannot detach itself from a flaccid (relaxed) uterus. Which surface of the placenta comes out first is not clinically important. The major risk for women during the third stage of labor is postpartum hemorrhaging.)

36. A woman who is gravida 3 para 2 arrives on the intrapartum unit. What is the most important nursing assessment at this time? a. Contraction pattern, amount of discomfort, and pregnancy history b. FHR, maternal vital signs, and the womans nearness to birth c. Identification of ruptured membranes, womans gravida and para, and her support person d. Last food intake, when labor began, and cultural practices the couple desires

b (All options describe relevant intrapartum nursing assessments; however, this focused assessment has a priority. If the maternal and fetal conditions are normal and birth is not imminent, then other assessments can be performed in an unhurried manner; these include: gravida, para, support person, pregnancy history, pain assessment, last food intake, and cultural practices.)

34. Under which circumstance would it be unnecessary for the nurse to perform a vaginal examination? a. Admission to the hospital at the start of labor b. When accelerations of the FHR are noted c. On maternal perception of perineal pressure or the urge to bear down d. When membranes rupture

b (An accelerated FHR is a positive sign; therefore, a vaginal examination would not be necessary. A vaginal examination should be performed when the woman is admitted to the hospital, when she perceives perineal pressure or the urge to bear down, when her membranes rupture, when a significant change in her uterine activity has occurred, or when variable decelerations of the FHR are noted.)

32. A woman who is 39 weeks pregnant expresses fear about her impending labor and how she will manage. What is the nurses ideal response? a. Dont worry about it. Youll do fine. b. Its normal to be anxious about labor. Lets discuss what makes you afraid. c. Labor is scary to think about, but the actual experience isnt. d. You can have an epidural. You wont feel anything.

b (Its normal to be anxious about labor. Lets discuss what makes you afraid is a statement that allows the woman to share her concerns with the nurse and is a therapeutic communication tool. Dont worry about it. Youll do fine negates the womans fears and is not therapeutic. Labor is scary to think about, but the actual experience isnt negates the womans fears and offers a false sense of security. To suggest that every woman can have an epidural is untrue. A number of criteria must be met before an epidural is considered. Furthermore, many women still experience the feeling of pressure with an epidural.)

14. What is the rationale for the administration of an oxytocic (e.g., Pitocin, Methergine) after expulsion of the placenta? a. To relieve pain b. To stimulate uterine contraction c. To prevent infection d. To facilitate rest and relaxation

b (Oxytocics stimulate uterine contractions, which reduce blood loss after the third stage of labor. Oxytocics are not used to treat pain, do not prevent infection, and do not facilitate rest and relaxation.)

31. After an emergency birth, the nurse encourages the woman to breastfeed her newborn. What is the primary purpose of this activity? a. To facilitate maternal-newborn interaction b. To stimulate the uterus to contract c. To prevent neonatal hypoglycemia d. To initiate the lactation cycle

b (Stimulation of the nipples through breastfeeding or manual stimulation causes the release of oxytocin and prevents maternal hemorrhage. Breastfeeding facilitates maternal-newborn interaction, but it is not the primary reason a woman is encouraged to breastfeed after an emergency birth. The primary intervention for preventing neonatal hypoglycemia is thermoregulation. Cold stress can result in hypoglycemia. The woman is encouraged to breastfeed after an emergency birth to stimulate the release of oxytocin, which prevents hemorrhaging. Breastfeeding is encouraged to initiate the lactation cycle, but it is not the primary reason for this activity after an emergency birth.)

15. Which description of the phases of the first stage of labor is most accurate? a. Latent: mild, regular contractions; no dilation; bloody show b. Active: moderate, regular contractions; 4 to 7 cm dilation c. Lull: no contractions; dilation stable d. Transition: very strong but irregular contractions; 8 to 10 cm dilation

b (The active phase is characterized by moderate and regular contractions, 4 to 7 cm dilation, and duration of 3 to 6 hours. The latent phase is characterized by mild-to-moderate and irregular contractions, dilation up to 3 cm, brownish-to-pale pink mucus, and duration of 6 to 8 hours. No official lull phase exists in the first stage. The transition phase is characterized by strong to very strong and regular contractions, 8 to 10 cm dilation, and duration of 20 to 40 minutes.)

25. A woman who has a history of sexual abuse may have a number of traumatic memories triggered during labor. She may fight the labor process and react with pain or anger. The nurse can implement a number of care measures to help her client view the childbirth experience in a positive manner. Which intervention is key for the nurse to use while providing care? a. Tell the client to relax and that it wont hurt much. b. Limit the number of procedures that invade her body. c. Reassure the client that, as the nurse, you know what is best. d. Allow unlimited care providers to be with the client.

b (The number of invasive procedures such as vaginal examinations, internal monitoring, and IV therapy should be limited as much as possible. The nurse should always avoid words and phrases that may result in the clients recalling the phrases of her abuser (i.e., Relax, this wont hurt or Just open your legs). The womans sense of control should be maintained at all times. The nurse should explain procedures at the clients pace and wait for permission to proceed. Protecting the clients environment by providing privacy and limiting the number of staff who observe the client will help to make her feel safe.)

12. Through a vaginal examination, the nurse determines that a woman is 4 cm dilated. The external fetal monitor shows uterine contractions every to 4 minutes. The nurse reports this as what stage of labor? a. First stage, latent phase b. First stage, active phase c. First stage, transition phase d. Second stage, latent phase

b (This maternal progress indicates that the woman is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. During the latent phase of the first stage of labor, the expected maternal progress is 0 to 3 cm dilation with contractions every 5 to 30 minutes. During the transition phase of the first stage of labor, the expected maternal progress is 8 to 10 cm dilation with contractions every 2 to 3 minutes. During the latent phase of the second stage of labor, the woman is completely dilated and experiences a restful period of laboring down.)

39. Which nursing assessment indicates that a woman who is in second-stage labor is almost ready to give birth? a. Fetal head is felt at 0 station during vaginal examination. b. Bloody mucous discharge increases. c. Vulva bulges and encircles the fetal head. d. Membranes rupture during a contraction.

c (A bulging vulva that encircles the fetal head describes crowning, which occurs shortly before birth. Birth of the head occurs when the station is +4. A 0 station indicates engagement. Bloody show occurs throughout the labor process and is not an indication of an imminent birth. ROM can occur at any time during the labor process and does not indicate an imminent birth.)

11. Which clinical finding indicates that the client has reached the second stage of labor? a. Amniotic membranes rupture. b. Cervix cannot be felt during a vaginal examination. c. Woman experiences a strong urge to bear down. d. Presenting part of the fetus is below the ischial spines.

c (During the descent phase of the second stage of labor, the woman may experience an increase in the urge to bear down. The ROM has no significance in determining the stage of labor. The second stage of labor begins with full cervical dilation. Many women may have an urge to bear down when the presenting fetal part is below the level of the ischial spines. This urge can occur during the first stage of labor, as early as with 5 cm dilation.)

40. What is the primary rationale for the thorough drying of the infant immediately after birth? a. Stimulates crying and lung expansion b. Removes maternal blood from the skin surface c. Reduces heat loss from evaporation d. Increases blood supply to the hands and feet

c (Infants are wet with amniotic fluid and blood at birth, and this accelerates evaporative heat loss. The primary purpose of drying the infant is to prevent heat loss. Although rubbing the infant stimulates crying, it is not the main reason for drying the infant. This process does not remove all the maternal blood.)

18. Where is the point of maximal intensity (PMI) of the FHR located? a. Usually directly over the fetal abdomen b. In a vertex position, heard above the mothers umbilicus c. Heard lower and closer to the midline of the mothers abdomen as the fetus descends and internally rotates d. In a breech position, heard below the mothers umbilicus

c (Nurses should be prepared for the shift. The PMI of the FHR is usually directly over the fetal back. In a vertex position, the PMI of the FHR is heard below the mothers umbilicus. In a breech position, it is heard above the mothers umbilicus.)

35. Which description of the phases of the second stage of labor is most accurate? a. Latent phase: Feeling sleepy; fetal station 2+ to 4+; duration of 30 to 45 minutes b. Active phase: Overwhelmingly strong contractions; Ferguson reflux activated; duration of 5 to 15 minutes c. Descent phase: Significant increase in contractions; Ferguson reflux activated; average duration varies d. Transitional phase: Woman laboring down; fetal station 0; duration of 15 minutes

c (The descent phase begins with a significant increase in contractions; the Ferguson reflex is activated, and the duration varies, depending on a number of factors. The latent phase is the lull or laboring down period at the beginning of the second stage and lasts 10 to 30 minutes on average. The second stage of labor has no active phase. The transition phase is the final phase in the second stage of labor; contractions are strong and painful.)

28. The first 1 to 2 hours after birth is sometimes referred to as what? a. Bonding period b. Third stage of labor c. Fourth stage of labor d. Early postpartum period

c (The first 2 hours of the birth are a critical time for the mother and her baby and is often called the fourth stage of labor. Maternal organs undergo their initial readjustment to a nonpregnant state. The third stage of labor lasts from the birth of the baby to the expulsion of the placenta. Bonding will occur over a much longer period, although it may be initiated during the fourth stage of labor.)

10. A nulliparous woman has just begun the latent phase of the second stage of her labor. The nurse should anticipate which behavior? a. A nulliparous woman will experience a strong urge to bear down. b. Perineal bulging will show. c. A nulliparous woman will remain quiet with her eyes closed between contractions. d. The amount of bright red bloody show will increase.

c (The woman is able to relax and close her eyes between contractions as the fetus passively descends. The woman may be very quiet during this phase. During the latent phase of the second stage of labor, the urge to bear down is often absent or only slight during the acme of the contractions. Perineal bulging occurs during the transition phase of the second stage of labor, not at the beginning of the second stage. An increase in bright red bloody show occurs during the descent phase of the second stage of labor.)

23. A 25-year-old gravida 3, para 2 client gave birth to a 9-pound, 7-ounce boy, 4 hours ago after augmentation of labor with oxytocin (Pitocin). She presses her call light, and asks for her nurse right away, stating Im bleeding a lot. What is the most likely cause of postpartum hemorrhaging in this client? a. Retained placental fragments b. Unrepaired vaginal lacerations c. Uterine atony d. Puerperal infection

c (This woman gave birth to a macrosomic infant after oxytocin augmentation. Combined with these risk factors, uterine atony is the most likely cause of bleeding 4 hours after delivery. Although retained placental fragments may cause postpartum hemorrhaging, it is typically detected within the first hour after delivery of the placenta and is not the most likely cause of the hemorrhaging in this woman. Although unrepaired vaginal lacerations may also cause bleeding, it typically occurs in the period immediately after birth. Puerperal infection can cause subinvolution and subsequent bleeding that is, however, typically detected 24 hours postpartum.)

21. Which collection of risk factors will most likely result in damaging lacerations, including episiotomies? a. Dark-skinned woman who has had more than one pregnancy, who is going through prolonged second-stage labor, and who is attended by a midwife b. Reddish-haired mother of two who is going through a breech birth c. Dark-skinned first-time mother who is going through a long labor d. First-time mother with reddish hair whose rapid labor was overseen by an obstetrician

d (Reddish-haired women have tissue that is less distensible than darker-skinned women and therefore may have less efficient healing. First-time mothers are also at greater risk, especially with breech births, long second-stage labors, or rapid labors during which the time for the perineum to stretch is insufficient. The rate of episiotomies is higher when obstetricians rather than midwives attend the births. The woman in the first scenario (a) is at low risk for either damaging lacerations or an episiotomy. She is multiparous, has dark skin, and is being attended by a midwife, who is less likely to perform an episiotomy. Reddish-haired women have tissue that is less distensible than that of darker-skinned women. Consequently, the client in the second scenario (b) is at increased risk for lacerations; however, she has had two previous deliveries, which result in a lower likelihood of an episiotomy. The fact that the woman in the third scenario (c) is experiencing a prolonged labor might increase her risk for lacerations. Fortunately, she is dark skinned, which indicates that her tissue is more distensible than that of fair-skinned women and therefore less susceptible to injury.)

27. The Valsalva maneuver can be described as the process of making a forceful bearing-down attempt while holding ones breath with a closed glottis and a tightening of the abdominal muscles. When is it appropriate to instruct the client to use this maneuver? a. During the second stage to enhance the movement of the fetus b. During the third stage to help expel the placenta c. During the fourth stage to expel blood clots d. Not at all

d (The client should not be instructed to use this maneuver. This process stimulates the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system and produces a vagal response (decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.) An alternative method includes instructing the client to perform open-mouth and open-glottis breathing and pushing.)

7. The nurse performs a vaginal examination to assess a clients labor progress. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Perform an examination at least once every hour during the active phase of labor. b. Perform the examination with the woman in the supine position. c. Wear two clean gloves for each examination. d. Discuss the findings with the woman and her partner.

d (The nurse should discuss the findings of the vaginal examination with the woman and her partner, as well as report the findings to the primary care provider. A vaginal examination should be performed only when indicated by the status of the woman and her fetus. The woman should be positioned so as to avoid supine hypotension. The examiner should wear a sterile glove while performing a vaginal examination for a laboring woman.)

8. A multiparous woman has been in labor for 8 hours. Her membranes have just ruptured. What is the nurses highest priority in this situation? a. Prepare the woman for imminent birth. b. Notify the womans primary health care provider. c. Document the characteristics of the fluid. d. Assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and pattern.

d (The umbilical cord may prolapse when the membranes rupture. The FHR and pattern should be closely monitored for several minutes immediately after the ROM to ascertain fetal well-being, and the findings should be documented. The ROM may increase the intensity and frequency of the uterine contractions, but it does not indicate that birth is imminent. The nurse may notify the primary health care provider after ROM occurs and the fetal well-being and response to ROM have been assessed. The nurses priority is to assess fetal well-being. The nurse should document the characteristics of the amniotic fluid, but the initial response is to assess fetal well-being and the response to ROM.)

37. A primigravida at 39 weeks of gestation is observed for 2 hours in the intrapartum unit. The FHR has been normal. Contractions are 5 to 9 minutes apart, 20 to 30 seconds in duration, and of mild intensity. Cervical dilation is 1 to 2 cm and uneffaced (unchanged from admission). Membranes are intact. What disposition would the nurse anticipate? a. Admitted and prepared for a cesarean birth b. Admitted for extended observation c. Discharged home with a sedative d. Discharged home to await the onset of true labor

d (This situation describes a woman with normal assessments who is probably in false labor and will likely not deliver rapidly once true labor begins. No further assessments or observations are indicated; therefore, the client will be discharged along with instructions to return when contractions increase in intensity and frequency. Neither a cesarean birth nor a sedative is required at this time.)

33. Which characteristic of a uterine contraction is not routinely documented? a. Frequency: how often contractions occur b. Intensity: strength of the contraction at its peak c. Resting tone: tension in the uterine muscle d. Appearance: shape and height

d (Uterine contractions are described in terms of frequency, intensity, duration, and resting tone. Appearance is not routinely charted.)