Maternity Questions
A new mother asks the nurse, "How do I know that my daughter is getting enough breast milk?" Which explanation is appropriate?
"Your milk is sufficient if the baby is voiding pale, straw-colored urine six to ten times a day." The urine will be dilute (straw-colored) and frequent (>6 to 10 times/day), if the infant is adequately hydrated. Although a weight gain of 30 g/day is indicative of adequate nutrition, most home scales do not measure this accurately, and the suggestion will likely make the mother anxious.
A client at 32-weeks gestation is diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which assessment finding is most indicative of impending convulsion?
3+ deep tendon reflexes and hyperclonus.
The nurse is performing a gestational age assessment on a full-term newborn during the first hour of transition using the Ballard (Dubowitz) scale. Bassed on this assessment the nurse determines that the neonate has a maturity rating 40-weeks. What findings should the nurse identify to determine if the neonate is small for gestational age (SGA)? (select all that apply)
Admission weight of 4 pounds, 15oz Head to heel length of 17in Frontal occipital circumference of 12.5in
A client in active labor is becoming increasingly fearful because her contractions are occurring more often than she had expected. Her partner is also becoming anxious. Which of the following should be the focus of the nurse's response?
Asking the client and her partner if they would like the nurse to stay in the room Offering to remain with the client and her partner offers support without providing false reassurance.
The nurse is teaching a woman how to use her basal body temperature (BBT) pattern as a tool to assist her in conceiving a child. Which temperature pattern indicates the occurrence of ovulation, and therefore, the best time for intercourse to ensure conception?
Between the time the temperature falls and rises
A 4-week old premature infant has been receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for the last tree weeks. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurs that the drug is effective?
Change in indirect bilirubin from 12mg/dl to 8mg/dl
A client at 28 weeks of gestation calls the antepartal clinic and states that she has just experienced a small amount of vaginal bleeding, which she describes as bright red. The bleeding has subsided. She further states that she is not experiencing any uterine contractions or abdominal pain. What instruction should the nurse provide?
Come to the clinic today for an ultrasound. Third-trimester painless bleeding is characteristic of a placenta previa. Bright red bleeding may be intermittent, occur in gushes, or be continuous. Rarely is the first incident life threatening or cause for hypovolemic shock. Diagnosis is confirmed by transabdominal ultrasound. Bleeding that has a sudden onset and is accompanied by intense uterine pain indicates abruptio placenta, which is life threatening to the mother and fetus.
A client with no prenatal care arrives at the labor unit scraming, "The baby is coming!" The nurse preforms a vaginal examination that reveals the cervix is 3 centimeters dialated and 75% effaced. What additional information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Date of last menstrual period.
Which maternal behavior is the nurse most likely to see when a new mother receives her infant for the first time?
Her arms and hands receive the infant and she then traces the infant's profile with her fingertips.
Which findings are most critical for the nurse to report to the primary health care provider when caring for the client during the last trimester of her pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)
Increased heartburn that is not relieved with doses of antacids Chronic headache that has been lingering for a week behind the client's eyes
A full term infant is transferred to the nursery from the labor and delivery. Which information is most important for the nurse to receive when planning immediate care for the newborn?
Infant's condition at birth and treatment received
A pregnant client tells the nurse that the first day of her last menstrual period was August 2, 2006. Based on Ngele's rule, what is the estimated date of delivery?
May 9, 2006
A 38-week primigravida who works as a secretary and sits at a computer 8 hours each day tells the nurse that her feet have begun to swell. Which instruction will aid in the prevention of pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
Move about every hour Pooling of blood in the lower extremities results from the enlarged uterus exerting pressure on the pelvic veins. Moving about every hour will relieve pressure on the pelvic veins and increase venous return.
The nurse observes that an antepartum client who is on bed rest for preterm labor is eating ice rather than the food on her breakfast tray. The client states that she has a craving for ice and then feels too full to eat anything else. Which is the best response by the nurse?
Notify the health care provider The health care provider should be notified when a client practices pica (craving for and consumption of nonfood substances). The practice of pica may displace more nutritious foods from the diet, and the client should be evaluated for anemia.
On admission to the prenatal clinic, a 23 year old woman tells the nurse that her last menstrual period began on Feb 15, and that her previous periods were regular. Her pregnancy test is positive. The client's expected date of delivery (EDD) would be
November 22
A newborn infant, diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), is being prepared for discharge. Which nursing intervention should be included in this infant's discharge teaching plan?
Observe the parents applying a Pavlik harness. It is important that the hips of infants with hip dysplasia are maintained in an abducted position, which can be accomplished by using the Pavlik harness; this keeps the hips and knees flexed, the hips abducted, and the femoral head in the acetabulum.
Six hours after an oxytocin (Pitocin) induction was begun and 2 hours after spontaneous rupture of the membranes, the nurse notes several sudden decreases in the fetal heart rate with quick return to baseline, with and without contractions. Based on this fetal heart rate pattern, which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Place the client in a slight Trendelenburg position. The goal is to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, and placing the client in a slight Trendelenburg position is most likely to relieve that pressure. The FHR pattern is indicative of a variable fetal heart rate deceleration, which is typically caused by cord compression and can occur with or without contractions.
The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is 24 hours post partum. The nurse explains to the client that her vaginal discharge will change from red to pink then to white. The client asks, "What if I start having red bleeding after it changes?" What should the nurse instruct the client to do?
Reduce activity level and notify the healthcare provider.
A woman who had a miscarriage 6 months ago becomes pregnant. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide this client?
Take prescribed multivitamin and mineral supplements
A 35-year-old primigravida client with severe preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion. Which assessment data would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Urine output 90mL / 4 hours
When preparing a class on newborn care for expectant parents, which is correct for the nurse to teach concerning the newborn infant born at term gestation?
Vernix is a white cheesy substance, predominantly located in the skin folds. Vernix, found in the folds of the skin, is a characteristic of term infants. Milia are not red marks made by forceps but are white pinpoint spots usually found over the nose and chin that represent blockage of the sebaceous glands. Meconium is the first stool, but it is tarry black, not yellow. Pseudostrabismus (crossed eyes) is normal at birth through the third or fourth month and does not require surgery.
Which statement made by the client indicates that the mother understands the limitations of breastfeeding her newborn?
"Breastfeeding my infant consistently every 3 to 4 hours stops ovulation and my period." Continuous breastfeeding on a 3- to 4-hour schedule during the day will cause a release of prolactin, which will suppress ovulation and menses, but is not completely effective as a birth control method.
A client at 32-weeks gestation comes to the prenatal clinic with complaints of pedal edema, dyspnea, fatigue, and a moist cough. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask this client?
"Do you have a history of rheumatic fever?" Clients with a history of rheumatic fever may develop mitral valve prolapse, which increases the risk of cardiac decompensation due to the increased blood volume that occurs during pregnancy.
A female client with insulin-dependent diabetes arrives at the clinic seeking a plan to get pregnant in approximately 6 months. She tells the nurse that she want to have an uncomplicated pregnancy and a healthy baby. What information should the nurse share with the client?
"Maintain blood sugar levels in a constant rage within normal limits during pregnancy."
A new mother who has just had her first baby says to the nurse, "I saw the baby in the recovery room. She sure has a funny-looking head." Which response by the nurse is best?
"That is normal. The head will return to a round shape within 7 to 10 days."
The nurse is using the Silverman-Anderson index to assess an infant with respiratory distress and determines that the infant is demonstrating marked nasal flaring, an audible expiratory grunt, and just visible intercostal and xiphoid retractions. Using this scale, which score should the nurse assign?
5 The Silverman-Anderson index is an assessment scale that scores a newborn's respiratory status as grade 0, 1, or 2 for each component; it includes synchrony of the chest and abdomen, retractions, nasal flaring, and expiratory grunt. No respiratory distress is graded 0, and a total of 10 indicates maximum respiratory distress. This infant is demonstrating respiratory distress with maximal effort, so a grade 2 is assigned for marked nasal flaring, grade 2 for an audible expiratory grunting, plus grade 1 for just visible retractions, which is a total score of 5.
The nurse is preparing to give an enema to a laboring client. Which client would require most caution when carrying out this procedure?
A 40-week primigravida who is at 6 cm cervical dilatation and the presenting part is not engaged.
A client 32 weeks gestation is hospitalized with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and magnesium sulfate is prescribed to control the symptoms. Which assessment finding would indicate the therapeutic drug level has been achieved?
A decrease in respiratory rate from 24 to 16
A woman who thinks she could be pregnant calls her neighbor, a nurse, to ask when she could use a home pregnancy test to diagnose pregnancy. Which response is appropriate?
A home pregnancy test can be used right after your first missed period
A newborn, whose mother is HIV positive, is scheduled for follow-up assessments. The nurse knows that the most likely presenting symptom for a pediatric client with AIDS is
A persistent cold
A primigravida client who is 5cm dilated, 90% effaced and 0 station is requesting an epidural for pain relief. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
A platelet count of 67.000/mm3
Prior to discharge, what instructions should the nurse give to parents regarding the newborn's umbilical cord care at home?
Allow the cord to air-dry as much as possible Recent studies have indicated that air drying or plain water application may be equal to or more effective than alcohol in the cord healing process.
The nurse caring for a laboring client encourages her to void at least q2h, and records each time the client empties her bladder. What is the primary reason for implementing this nursing intervention.
An over-distended bladder could be traumatized during labor, as well as prolong the progress of labor.
A woman who gave birth 48 hours ago is bottle feeding her infant. During assessment, the nurse determines that both breasts are swollen, warm, and tender upon palpation. What action should the nurse take?
Apply cold compress to both breast for comfort
A 40-week gestation primigravida client is being induced with an oxytocin (Pitocin) secondary infusion and complains of pain in her lower back. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Apply firm pressure to sacral area
The nurse is assessing a client who is having a non-stress test at 41 weeks gestation. The nurse determines that the client is not having contractions, the fetal heart rate baseline is 144 bpm, and no FHR accelerations are occurring. What action should the nurse take?
Ask the client if she has felt any fetal movement
The nurse is assessing a client who is having a non-stress test (NST) at 41-weeks gestation. the nurse determines that the client is not having contractions, the fetal heart rate baseline is 144bpm, and no FHR accelerations are occurring. What action should the nurse take?
Ask the client if she has felt any movement.
When assessing a client at 12 weeks of gestation, the nurse recommends that she and her husband consider attending childbirth preparation classes. When is the best time for the couple to attend these classes?
At 30 weeks of gestation Learning is facilitated by an interested pupil. The couple is most interested in childbirth toward the end of the pregnancy, when they are beginning to anticipate the onset of labor and the birth of their child.
The nurse is teaching a new mother about diet and breastfeeding. Which instruction is most important to include in the teaching plan?
Avoid alcohol because it is excreted in breast milk. Alcohol should be avoided while breastfeeding because it is excreted in breast milk and may cause a variety of problems, including slower growth and cognitive impairment for the infant.
A vaginally delivered infant of an HIV positive mother is admitted to the newborn nursery. What intervention should the nurse perform first?
Bathe the infant with an antimicrobial soap
A multigravida client at 41-weeks gestation presents in the labor and delivery unit afer a non-stress test indicatied that the fetus is experiencing some difficulties in utero. Which diagnostic test should the nurse prepare the client for additional information about fetal status?
Biophysical profile (BPP)
A client who is 3 days postpartum and breastfeeding asks the nurse how to reduce breast engorgement. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
Breastfeed the infant every 2 hours. The mother should be instructed to attempt feeding her infant every 2 hours while massaging the breasts as the infant is feeding. If the infant does not feed adequately and empty the breast, using a breast pump helps extract the milk and relieve some of the discomfort. Dehydration irritates swollen breast tissue. Skipping feedings may cause further engorgement and discomfort.
A breastfeeding postpartum client is diagnosed with mastitis, and antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied. Mastitis, caused by plugged milk ducts, is related to breast engorgement, and breastfeeding during mastitis facilitates the complete emptying of engorged breasts, eliminating the pressure on the inflamed breast tissue.
One hour after giving birth to an 8-pound infant, a client's lochia rubra has increased from small to large and her fundus is boggy despite massage. The client's pulse is 84 beats/minute and blood pressure is 156/96. The healthcare provider prescribes Methergine 0.2 mg IM X 1. What action should the nurse take immediately?
Call the heathcare provider to question the prescription
Twenty-four hours after admission to the newborn nursery, a full-term male infant develops localized swelling on the right side of his head. In a newborn, what is the most likely cause of this accumulation of blood between the periosteum and skull that does not cross the suture line?
Cephalhematoma, which is caused by forceps trauma Cephalhematoma, a slight abnormal variation of the newborn, usually arises within the first 24 hours after delivery. Trauma from delivery causes capillary bleeding between the periosteum and skull.
A newborn infant iss brought to the nursery from the birthing suite. The nurse notices that the infant is breathing satisfactory but appears dusky. What action should the nurse take first?
Check the infant's oxygen saturation rate
A full term infant is admitted to the newborn nursery. After careful assessment, the nurse suspects that the infant may have an esophageal atresia. Which symtoms are this newborn likely to exhibit?
Chocking, coughing, and cyanosis
A client at 28-weeks gestation calls the antepartal clinic and states that she is experiencing a small amount of vaginal bleeding which she describes as bright red. She further states that she is not experiencing any uterine contractions or abdominal pain. What instructions should the nurse provide?
Come into the clinic today for an ultrasound
A multigravida client arrives at the labor and delivery unit and tell the nurse that her "bag of water" has broken. The nurse identifies the presence of meconium fluid on the perineum and determines the fetal heart rate is between 140-150 beats/minute. What action should the nurse implement next?
Complete a sterile vaginal exam
A multigravida client arrives at the labor and delivery unit and tell the nurse that her "bag of water" has broken. The nurse identifies the presence of meconium fluid on the perineum and determines the fetal heart rate is between 140 to 150 bpm. What action should the nurse implement next?
Complete a sterile vaginal exam. A vaginal exam should be preformed after the rupture of membranes to determine the presence of a prolapsed cord.
A pregnant client with Mitral stenosis class III is prescribed complete bedrest. The client asks the nurse, "Why must I stay in bed all the time?" Which response is best for the nurse to provide this client?
Complete bedrest decreases oxygen needs and demands on the heart muscle tissue
The nurse is evaluating a full-term multigravida who was induced 3 hours ago. The nurse determines that the client is dilated 7 cm and is 100% effaced at 0 station, with intact membranes. The monitor indicates that the FHR decelerates at the onset of several contractions and returns to baseline before each contraction ends. Which action should the nurse take?
Continue to monitor labor progress. The fetal heart rate indicates early decelerations, which are not an ominous sign, so the nurse should continue to monitor the labor progress and document the findings in the client's record. There is no reason to reapply the external transducer if the FHR tracings are being captured
Which findings are of most concern to the nurse when caring for a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)
Cramping with bright red spotting Lack of tenderness of the breast Increased right-side flank pain
A HCP informs the charge nurse of a labor and delivery unit that a client is coming to the unit with suspected abruption placentae. What findings should the nurse expect the client to demonstrate?
Dark, red vaginal bleeding. increased uterine irritability. A rigid abdomen
A woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus becomes pregnant, and her oral hypoglycemic agents are discontinued. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Describe diet changes that can improve the management of her diabetes
A client at 32-weeks gestation comes to the prenatal clinic with complaints of pedal edema, dyspnea, fatigue and a moist cough. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask this client?
Do you have a history of rheumatic fever?
A 24-hour old newborn has a pink popular rash with vesicles superimposed on the thorax, back and abdomen. What action should the nurse implement
Document the finding in the infants record.
A client who has an autosomal dominant inherited disorder is exploring family planning options and the risk of transmission of the disorder to an infant. The nurse's response should be based on what information?
Each pregnancy carries a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder.
The nurse is caring for a woman with a previously diagnosed heart disease who is in the second stage of labor. Which assessment findings are of greatest concern?
Edema, basilar rales, and irregular pulse
The nurse is planning preconception care for a female client. Which information should the nurse provide the client?
Encourage healthy lifestyles for families desiring pregnancy
The total bilirubin level of a 36-hour, breastfeeding newborn is 14mg/dl. Based on this finding, which intervention should the nurse implement?
Encourage the mother to breast feed frequently
The Total bilirubin of a 36-hour, breastfeeding newborn is 14mg/dL. Based on this finding, Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Encourage the mother to breastfeed frequently.
A new mother is having trouble breastfeeding her newborn. The child is making frantic rooting motions and will not grasp the nipple. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Encourage the mother to stop feeding for a few minutes and comfort the infant. The infant is becoming frustrated and so is the mother; both need a time out. The mother should be encouraged to comfort the infant and to relax herself. After such a time out, breastfeeding is often more successful.
A mother who is breastfeeding her baby receives instructions from the nurse. Which instruction is most effective in preventing nipple soreness?
Ensure that the baby is positioned correctly for latching on. The most common cause of nipple soreness is incorrect positioning of the infant on the breast for latching on. The baby's body is in alignment with the ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line, with the nose, cheeks, and chin touching the breast. Option A helps prevent chafing, and nonbinding support aids in prevention of discomfort from the stretching of the Cooper ligament. Option B is important but is not necessary for all women. Option D helps soften an engorged breast and encourages correct infant latching on but is not the best answer
A client at 32-weeks gestation is diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which assessment finding is most indicative of an impending convulsion>
Epigastric pain
A client who delivered a healthy infant 5 days ago calls the clinic nurse and reports that her lochia is getting lighter in color. Which action should the nurse take?
Explain this is a normal finding. The client is describing lochia serosa, a normal change in the lochial flow
A client is active labor complains of cramps in her leg. What intervention should the nurse implement?
Extend the leg and dorsiflex the foot
The nurse is teaching breastfeeding to prospective parents in a childbirth education calss.. Which instruction should the nurse include as content in the class?
Feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours or on demand, whichever comes first.
The nurse is preparing a laboring client for an amniotomy. Immediately after the procedure is completed, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which information?
Fetal heart rate (FHR) The FHR should be assessed before and after the procedure to detect changes that may indicate the presence of cord compression or prolapse. An amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes [AROM]) is used to stimulate labor when the condition of the cervix is favorable. The fluid should be assessed for color, odor, and consistency.
The healthcare provider prescribes terbutaline (Brethine) for a clint in preterm labor. Before initiating this prescription, it is most important for the nurse to assess the client for which condition.
Gestational diabetes
The nurse is teaching care of the newborn to a group of prospective parents and describes the need for administering antibiotic ointment into the eyes of the newborn which infectious organism will this treatment prevent from harming the infant?
Gonorrhea
The nurse is teaching care of the newborn to a childbirth preparation class and describes the need for administering antibiotic ointment into the eyes of the newborn. An expectant father asks, "What type of disease causes infections in babies that can be prevented by using this ointment?" Which response by the nurse is accurate?
Gonorrhea Erythromycin ointment is instilled into the lower conjunctiva of each eye within 2 hours after birth to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, an infection caused by gonorrhea, and inclusion conjunctivitis, an infection caused by Chlamydia. The infant may be exposed to these bacteria when passing through the birth canal.
A 25-year-old client has a positive pregnancy test. One year ago she had a spontaneous abortion at 3 months of gestation. Which is the correct description of this client that should be documented in the medical record?
Gravida 2, para 0 The spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) occurred at 3 months of gestation (12 weeks), so she is a para 0. Parity cannot be increased unless delivery occurs at 20 weeks of gestation or beyond.
The nurse attempts to help and unmarried teenager deal with her feelings following a spontaneous abortion at 8-weeks gestation. What type of emotional response should the nurse anticipate?
Grief related to her perceptions about loss of this child.
A mother who is HIV-positive delivers a full-term newborn and asks the nurse if her baby will become HIV-infected. Which explanation should the nurse provide?
HIV infection is determined at 18 months of age, when maternal HIV antibodies are no longer present. All newborns of HIV-positive mothers receive passive HIV antibodies from the mother, so the evaluation of an infant for the HIV virus is determined at 18 months of age, when all the maternal antibodies are no longer in the infant's blood. Passive HIV antibodies disappear in the infant within 18 months of age. Option B is inaccurate. Although administration of HIV medication during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of vertical transmission, treatment does not ensure that the virus will not become manifest in the infant.
During the transition phase of labor, a client complains of tingling and numbness in her fingers and tells the nurse that she feels like she is going to pass out. What action should the nurse take?
Have her cup both hands over her nose and mouth while breathing. Hyperventilation blows off carbon dioxide, depletes carbonic acid in the blood, and causes transient respiratory alkalosis, so the client should cup both her hands over her mouth and nose so that she can rebreathe carbon dioxide.
The nurse instructs a laboring client to use accelerated blow breathing. The client begins to complain of tingling fingers and dizziness. Which action should the nurse take?
Have the client breathe into her cupped hands. Tingling fingers and dizziness are signs of hyperventilation (blowing off too much carbon dioxide). Hyperventilation is treated by retaining carbon dioxide. This can be facilitated by breathing into a paper bag or cupped hands.
Which action should the nurse implement when preparing to measure the fundal height of a pregnant client?
Have the client empty her bladder.
A primigracida at 40-weeks gestation is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for during the infusion of Pitocin?
Hyperstimulation
A primigravida, when returning for the results of her multiple marker screening (triple screen), asks the nurse how problems with her baby can be detected by the test. What information will the nurse give to the client to describe best how the test is interpreted?
If MSAFP and estriol levels are low and the hCG level is high, results are positive for a possible chromosomal defect. Low levels of MSAFP and estriol and elevated levels of hCG found in the maternal blood sample are indications of possible chromosomal defects. High levels of MSAFP and estriol in the blood sample after 15 weeks of gestation can indicate a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, not chromosomal defects. One of the limitations of the multiple marker screening is that any defects covered by skin will not be evident in the blood sampling. After 15 weeks of gestation, there will be traces of MSAFP, estriol, and hCG in the blood sample.
A client who delivered by cesarean section 24 hours ago is using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump for pain control. Her oral intake has been ice chips only since surgery. She is now complaining of nausea and bloating and states that because she has had nothing to eat, she is too weak to breastfeed her infant. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?
Impaired bowel motility related to pain medication and immobility Impaired bowel motility caused by surgical anesthesia, pain medication, and immobility is the priority nursing diagnosis and addresses the potential problem of a paralytic ileus. Options A and B are both caused by impaired bowel motility. Option D is not as important as impaired motility.
A 41-week multigravida is receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) to augment labor. Contractions are firm and occurring every 5 minutes, with a 30- to 40-second duration. The fetal heart rate increases with each contraction and returns to baseline after the contraction. Which action should the nurse implement?
Increase the rate of the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. The goal of labor augmentation is to produce firm contractions that occur every 2 to 3 minutes, with a duration of 60 to 70 seconds, and without evidence of fetal stress. FHR accelerations are a normal response to contractions, so the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion should be increased per protocol to stimulate the frequency and intensity of contractions.
Immediately after birth a newborn infant is suctioned, dried and placed under a radiant warmer. The infant has spontaneous respirations and the nurse assesses an apical heart rate of 80 beats/minute and respirations of 20 breaths/minute. What action should the nurse preform next?
Initiate positive pressure ventilation
A client who is attending antepartum classes asks the nurse why her healthcare provider has prescribed iron tablets. The nurse's response based on what knowledge?
It is difficult to consume 18mg of additional iron by diet alone
A client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy tells the nurse that she wants to use herbal therapy. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
It is important that you want to take part in your care
The nurse is counseling a client who wants to become pregnant. She tells the nurse that she has a 36-day menstrual cycle and the first day of her last menstrual period was January 8. When will the client's next fertile period occur?
January 29 to 30 This client can expect her next period to begin 36 days from the first day of her last menstrual period. Her next period would begin on February 12. Ovulation occurs 14 days before the first day of the menstrual period. The client can expect ovulation to occur January 29 to 30.
The nurse is counseling a woman who wants to become pregnant. The woman tells the nurse that she has a 36-day menstrual cycle and the first day of her last menstrual period was January 8. The nurse correctly calculates that the woman's next fertile period will be
January 30-31
During a prenatal visit, the nurse discusses the effects of smoking on the fetus with a client. Which statement is most characteristic of an infant whose mother smoked during pregnancy compared with the infant of a nonsmoking mother?
Lower initial weight documented at birth Smoking is associated with low-birth-weight infants. Therefore, mothers are encouraged not to smoke during pregnancy.
Which nursing intervention would be most helpful in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or "afterpains?"
Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen
A female client with insulin-dependent diabetes arrives at the clinic seeking a plan to get pregnant in approximately 6 months. She tells the nurse that she wants to have an uncomplicated pregnancy and a healthy baby. What information should the nurse share with the client?
Maintain blood sugar levels in a constant range within normal limits during pregnancy
A 30-year-old gravida 2, para 1 client is admitted to the hospital at 26-weeks gestation in preterm labor. She is started on an IV solution of tervutaline (Berthine). Which assessment is the highest priority for the nurse to monitor during the administration of this drug?
Maternal and fetal heart rates.
A pregnant client tells the nurse that the first day of her last menstrual period was Aug. 2, 2006. Based on Ngele's rule, what is the estimated date of delivery?
May 9, 2007
The nurse assesses a client admitted to the labor and delivery unit and obtains the following data: dark red vaginal bleeding, uterus slightly tese between contractions, BP 110/68 FHR 110 beats/min, cervix 1 cm dialated and uneffaced. Based on these assessment findings, what intervention should the nurse implement?
Monitor bleed from IV sites
When explaining "postpartum blues" to a client who is 1 day postpartum, which symtoms should the nurse include in the teaching plan?(Select all that apply)
Mood swings Tearfulness
On admission to the prenatal clinic, a client tells the nurse that her last menstrual period began on February 15 and that previously her periods were regular (28-day cycle). Her pregnancy test is positive. What is this client's expected date of birth (EDB)?
November 22 correctly applies the Nägele rule for estimating the due date by counting back 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (January, December, November) and adding 7 days (15 + 7 = 22).
The nurse identifies crepitus when examining the chest of a newborn who was delivered vaginally which further assessment should the nurse perform?
Observe for an asymmetrical Moro reflex
One hour following a normal vaginal delivery, a newborn infant boy's axillary temperature is 96° F, his lower lip is shaking, and when the nurse assesses for a Moro reflex, the boy's hands shake. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Obtain a serum glucose level. This infant is demonstrating signs of hypoglycemia, possibly secondary to a low body temperature. The nurse should first determine the serum glucose level. Option A is an intervention for a lethargic infant. Option B should be done based on the temperature, but first the glucose level should be obtained. Option C helps raise the blood sugar, but first the nurse should determine the glucose level.
A client at 30-weeks gestation, complaining of pressure over the pubic area, is admitted for observation. She is contracting irregularly and demonstrates underlying uterine irritability. Vaginal examination reveals that her cervix is close, thick, and high. Based on these data, which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Obtain a specimen for urine
A client is admitted with the diagnosis of total placenta previa. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider immediately?
Onset of uterine contractions
A client is admitted with the diagnosis of total placenta previa. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the HCP?
Onset of uterine contractions. The onset of uterine contractions places the client at risk for dilation and placental separation, which causes painless hemorrhaging
The client comes to the hospital assuming she is in labor. Which assessment findings by the nurse would indicate that the client is in true labor? (Select all that apply.)
Pain in the lower back that radiates to abdomen Progressive cervical dilation and effacement Regular and rhythmic painful contractions
A client in active labor is admitted with preeclamsia. Which assessment finding is most significant in planning this client's care?
Patellar reflex 4+
A mother expresses fear about changing the infant's diaper after circumcision. What information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Place petroleum ointment around the glans with each diaper change and cleansing With each diaper change, the glans penis should be washed with warm water to remove any urine or feces, and petroleum ointment should be applied to prevent the diaper from sticking to the healing surface. Prepackaged wipes often contain other products that may irritate the site. The yellow exudate, which covers the glans penis as the area heals and epithelializes, is not an infective process and should not be removed. If bleeding occurs at home, the client should be instructed to apply gentle pressure to the site of the bleeding with sterile gauze squares and call the health care provider.
Twenty minutes after a continuous epidural anesthetic is administered, a laboring client's blood pressure drops from 120/80 to 90/60 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take immediately?
Place the client in a lateral position. The nurse should immediately turn the client to a lateral position or place a pillow or wedge under one hip to deflect the uterus. Other immediate interventions include increasing the rate of the main line IV infusion and administering oxygen by facemask. If the blood pressure remains low after these interventions or decreases further, the anesthesiologist or health care provider should be notified immediately. To continue to monitor blood pressure without taking further action could constitute malpractice.
Twenty minutes after a continuous epidural anesthetic is administered, a laboring client's blood pressure drops from 120/80 to 90/60. What action will the nurse take
Place the woman in lateral position
The nurse observes a new mother is rooming in and caring for her newborn infant. Which observation indicated the need for further teaching?
Places the infant prone in the bassinet
The nurse calls a client who is 4 days postpartum to follow up about her transition with her newborn son at home. The woman tells the nurse, "I don't know what is wrong. I love my son, but I feel so let down. I seem to cry for no reason!" Which adjustment phase should the nurse determine the client is experiencing?
Postpartum blues During the postpartum period, when serum hormone levels fall, women are emotionally labile, often crying easily for no apparent reason. This phase is commonly called postpartum blues, which peaks around the fifth postpartum day. The taking-in phase is the period following birth when the mother focuses on her own psychological needs; typically, this period lasts for 24 hours. Crying is not a maladaptive attachment response. It indicates a normal physical and emotional response. The letting-go phase is when the mother sees the child as a separate individual.
Just after delivery, a new mother tells the nurse, "I was unsuccessful breastfeeding my first child, but I would like to try with this baby." Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Provide assistance to the mother to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery Infants respond to breastfeeding best when feeding is initiated in the active phase soon after delivery.
Just after delivery, a new mother tells the nurse, "I was unsuccessful breastfeeding my first child, but I would like to try with this baby." Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement First?
Provide assistance to the mother to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.
An off-duty nurse finds a woman in a supermarket parking lot delivering an infant while her husband is screaming for someone to help his wife. Which intervention has the highest priority?
Put the newborn to the breast immediately Putting the newborn to the breast will help contract the uterus and prevent a postpartum hemorrhage. This intervention has the highest priority. Option A is not necessary; the infant can be transported attached to the placenta. Option B is an important psychosocial need but does not have the priority of option D. Although the husband is an important part of family-centered care, he is not the most important concern at this time.
A client receiving an epidural anesthesia begins to experience nausea and becomes pate and clammy. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
Raise the foot of the bed
An expectant father tells the nurse he fears that his wife "is losing her mind." He states that she is constantly rubbing her abdomen and talking to the baby and that she actually reprimands the baby when it moves too much. Which recommendation should the nurse make to this expectant father?
Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring These behaviors are positive signs of maternal-fetal bonding and do not reflect ambivalence. No intervention is needed. Quickening, the first perception of fetal movement, occurs at 17 to 20 weeks of gestation and begins a new phase of prenatal bonding during the second trimester.
A 30-year-old multiparous woman who has a 3-year old boy and a newborn girl tells the nurse, "my son is so jealous of my daughter, I don't know how ill ever manage both children when I get home." How should the nurse respond?
Regression in behaviors in the older child is a typical reaction so he needs attention at this time
During labor, the nurse determines that a full-term client is demonstrating late decelerations. In which sequence should the nurse implement theses actions? (Place the first action on top and the last on the bottom) Provide oxygen via mask reposition client call HCP Increase IV Fluids
Reposition the client Increase IV Fluids provide oxygen via face mask Call HCP To stabilize the fetus, intrauterine reconstitution is first priority, and to enhance fetal blood supply, the laboring client should be repositioned to replace the gravid uterus and to improve fetal perfusion. Secondly, the IV fluids should be increased to expand the maternal circulating blood volume. Next, to optimize oxygenation of the circulatory blood volume, oxygen via face mask should be administered to mother. The HCP should provide other measures to relieve fetal stress.
The nurse should explain to a 30-year old gravid client that alpha fetoprotein testing is recommended for which purpose?
Screen for neural tube defects
After each feeding, a 3-day-old newborn is spitting up large amounts of Enfamil Newborn Formula, a nonfat cow's milk formula. The pediatric healthcare provider changes the neonate's formula to Similac Soy Isomil Formula, a soy protein isolate based infant formula. What information should the nurse provide to the mother about newly prescribed formula?
Similac Soy Isomil Formula is a soy based formula that contains sucrose.
A nurse receives a shift change report for a newborn who is 12 hours post-vaginal delivery. In developing a plan of care, the nurse should give the highest priority to which finding?
Skin color that is slightly jaundiced Jaundice, a yellow skin coloration, is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, which should be further evaluated in a newborn <24 hours old. Acrocyanosis (blue color of the hands and feet) is a common finding in newborns; it occurs because the capillary system is immature. Milia are small white papules present on the nose and chin that are caused by sebaceous gland blockage and disappear in a few weeks. Small red patches on the cheeks and trunk are called erythema toxicum neonatorum, a common finding in newborns
A 26-year-old gravida 2, para 1, client is admitted to the hospital at 28 weeks of gestation in preterm labor. She is given three doses of terbutaline sulfate (Brethine), 0.25 mg subcutaneously, to stop her labor contractions. What are the primary side effects of terbutaline sulfate?
Tachycardia and a feeling of nervousness Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine), a beta-sympathomimetic drug, stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in the uterine muscle to stop contractions. The beta-adrenergic agonist properties of the drug may cause tachycardia, increased cardiac output, restlessness, headache, and a feeling of nervousness.
A client at 30 weeks of gestation is on bed rest at home because of increased blood pressure. The home health nurse has taught her how to take her own blood pressure and gave her parameters to judge a significant increase in blood pressure. When the client calls the clinic complaining of indigestion, which instruction should the nurse provide?
Take your blood pressure now, and if it is seriously elevated, go to the hospital. Checking the blood pressure for an elevation is the best instruction to give at this time. A blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg is indicative of preeclampsia. Epigastric pain can be a sign of an impending seizure (eclampsia), a life-threatening complication of gestational hypertension.
A 23- year old client who is receiving Medicid benefits is pregnant with her first child. Based on knowledge of the statistics related to infant mortality, which plan should the nurse implement with this client?
Teach the client why keeping prenatal care appointments is important
In developing a teaching plan for expectant parents, the nurse decides to include information about when the parents can expect the infant's fontanels to close. Which statement is accurate regarding the timing of closure of an infant's fontanels that should be included in this teaching plan?
The anterior fontanel closes at 12 to 18 months and the posterior fontanel by the end of the second month. In the normal infant, the anterior fontanel closes at 12 to 18 months of age and the posterior fontanel closes by the end of the second month. These growth and development milestones are frequently included in questions on the licensure examination.
Client teaching is an important part of the perinatal nurse's role. Which factor has the greatest influence on successful teaching of the pregnant client?
The client's investment in what is being taught When teaching any client, readiness to learn is related to how much the client has invested in what is being taught or how important the materials are to the client's particular life. For example, the client with severe morning sickness in the first trimester may not be ready to learn about labor and delivery but is probably very ready to learn about ways to relieve morning sickness.
A full-term infant is transferred to the nursery from labor and delicery. Which information is most important for the nurse to receive when planning immediate care for the newborn?
The infants condition at birth and treatment received.
While breastfeeding, a new mother strokes the top of her baby's head and asks the nurse about the baby's swollen scalp. The nurse responds that the swelling is caput succedneum. Which additional information should the nurse provide this new mother?
The scalp edema will subside in a few days after birth
A new mother is afraid to touch her baby's head for fear of hurting the "large soft spot." Which explanation should the nurse give to this anxious client?
There is a strong enough, tough membrane there to protect the baby so you need not be afraid to wash or comb his/her hair
A couple has been trying to conceive for 9 months without success. Which information obtained from the clients is most likely to have an impact on the couple's ability to conceive a child?
They use lubricants with each sexual encounter to decrease friction
A couple has been trying to conceive for nine months without success. Which information obtained from the clients is most likely to have an impact on the couples ability to conceive a child?"
They use lubricants with each sexual encounter to decrease friction.
The nurse is assessing the umbilical cord of a newborn. Which finding constutes a normal finding?
Three vessels: two arteries and one vein
The nurse is counseling a couple who has sought information about conceiving. The couple asks the nurse to explain when ovulation usually occurs. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
Two weeks before menstruation Ovulation occurs 14 days before the first day of the menstrual period. Although ovulation can occur in the middle of the cycle or 2 weeks after menstruation, this is only true for a woman who has a perfect 28-day cycle. For many women, the length of the menstrual cycle varies. Options B, C, and D are incorrect.
