Maternity Nur230
ATI Maternity Nur230
Total Questions : 55
Showing 10 questions Sign up for moreA nurse is caring for a pregnant client and reviewing signs of complications that should be promptly reported to the provider.
Which of the following should be included?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be a sign of a serious complication such as placenta previa or placental abruption. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can lead to severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Placental abruption is a serious condition in which the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born, which can cause heavy bleeding and can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
Lightheadedness when lying on the back, also known as supine hypotensive syndrome, can occur in pregnancy when the enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure. While this can be uncomfortable, it is generally not considered a serious complication and can be alleviated by changing position.
Choice C rationale
Heartburn after eating is a common discomfort during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally not a sign of a serious complication.
Choice D rationale
Swelling of the ankles, also known as edema, is common in pregnancy due to increased fluid volume in the body. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally not a sign of a serious complication unless it is sudden or severe, which could be a sign of preeclampsia.
A nurse is planning care for an adolescent who is postoperative following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Keeping the head of the bed at a 30-degree angle is not typically necessary following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. The position of the bed is usually determined by the patient’s comfort and the surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions.
Choice B rationale
Initiating the use of a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) pump for pain control is a common intervention following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. This allows the patient to self-administer pain medication as needed, providing effective and individualized pain control.
Choice C rationale
Repositioning the client by log rolling every 4 hours is a common practice after spinal surgery to prevent pressure ulcers and maintain alignment of the spine. However, it is not the primary intervention in this case.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in protective isolation is not typically necessary following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. Isolation is usually reserved for patients who are at high risk of infection or who have an infection that could be transmitted to others.
A nurse is providing care to multiple clients on the postpartum unit.
Which of the following clients is at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A client who has a cesarean incision that is well-approximated with no drainage is not at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection. While any surgical incision can potentially become infected, if the incision is healing well with no signs of infection, the risk is relatively low.
Choice B rationale
A client who does not wash her hands between perineal care and breastfeeding is increasing her risk of infection, but this is not the greatest risk factor for developing a puerperal infection. Good hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of germs, but other factors pose a greater risk for puerperal infection.
Choice C rationale
A client who has an episiotomy that is erythematous and has extended into a third-degree laceration is at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection. An episiotomy is a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth to aid a difficult delivery and prevent rupture of tissues. If the episiotomy extends and becomes a third-degree laceration, it involves the vaginal tissue, perineal skin, and the muscle of the perineum, and can extend into the anal sphincter, the muscle that surrounds the anus. This type of wound provides a medium for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale
A client who is not breastfeeding and is using measures to suppress lactation is not at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection. While breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of certain types of infections, not breastfeeding does not significantly increase the risk of puerperal infection.
A nurse midwife is examining a client who is a primigravida at 42 weeks of gestation and states that she believes she is in labor.
Which of the following findings confirm to the nurse that the client is in labor?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cervical dilation is a key sign that labor has begun. During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. This is a physical change that can be measured during a pelvic exam.
Choice B rationale
Pain above the umbilicus is not typically a sign of labor. During labor, contractions are usually felt as a tightening or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
Choice C rationale
Brownish vaginal discharge can occur during pregnancy and is not necessarily a sign of labor. If the discharge is heavy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or cramping, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault, also known as “water breaking,” can be a sign that labor is imminent. However, it does not confirm that labor has begun, as it can occur before the onset of contractions and cervical dilation.
A community health nurse is developing a pamphlet about breast self-examination (BSE) for a local health fair. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that some changes in the breast, such as dimpling or discharge, can occur with age, these are not normal and could be signs of a serious condition like breast cancer.
Therefore, this instruction should not be included in the pamphlet.
Choice B rationale
While using the palm of the hand to feel for lumps using a circular motion is a common method, it’s not the most effective. The pads of the three middle fingers should be used instead, as they are more sensitive to changes in the breast tissue.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Performing a breast self-exam in the shower with soapy hands is recommended because the soap helps your fingers glide smoothly over your skin, making it easier to feel for any lumps or changes.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that women who have a menstrual cycle should perform a breast self-exam every month, the timing suggested here is not accurate. The best time to perform a breast self- exam is a few days after the menstrual period ends, when the breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen.
A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who is exhibiting tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and a feeling of letdown.
The nurse knows these findings are characteristics of:
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Postpartum depression is characterized by severe mood swings, crying too much, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawing from family and friends, loss of appetite or eating much more than usual, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy. While some of these symptoms overlap with the ones mentioned in the question, postpartum depression is usually more severe and lasts longer.
Choice B rationale
The letting-go phase is the final phase of maternal adjustment during which the mother moves forward from her existing role to take on a new one as a parent. This phase is characterized by reestablishment of relationships with others, resumption of sexual intimacy, resolution of physical symptoms, and attainment of a new normal. The symptoms mentioned in the question do not align with this phase.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health illness that can affect a woman soon after she has a baby. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, a manic mood, a low mood, loss of inhibitions, restlessness, and severe confusion. The symptoms mentioned in the question do not align with this condition.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Postpartum fatigue is characterized by extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest or sleep. This fatigue can make it difficult for the new mother to care for herself and her baby. The symptoms mentioned in the question - tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and a feeling of letdown - are all common symptoms of postpartum fatigue.
Which of the following heart diseases are considered acquired? Select all that apply.
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers or valves. It’s typically caused by bacteria entering the blood and settling in the heart. It is considered an acquired heart disease because it develops during a person’s lifetime.
Choice B rationale
Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes inflammation in arteries, veins, and capillaries. It’s most common in children younger than 5 years old. While it’s not a heart disease, it can lead to serious heart problems if not treated.
Choice C rationale
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a type of congenital heart defect, meaning it’s present at birth. Therefore, it’s not considered an acquired heart disease.
Choice D rationale
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can be acquired or inherited.
Choice E rationale
Transposition of the great vessels is a serious but rare heart defect present at birth (congenital), in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed (transposed). Therefore, it’s not considered an acquired heart disease.
A nurse is attending to an 8-year-old child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever. What should be the nurse’s immediate priority assessment after admission?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to assess the level of parental anxiety related to the diagnosis, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s physical health needs to be stabilized first.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. Auscultating the rate and characteristics of the child’s heart sounds is the immediate priority. Acute rheumatic fever can lead to serious cardiac complications, so it’s crucial to monitor the child’s heart function closely.
Choice C rationale
While assessing the severity of joint pain is important in managing the child’s comfort, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s heart function needs to be assessed first.
Choice D rationale
While assessing the client’s erythematous rash is part of the overall assessment of a child with acute rheumatic fever, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s heart function needs to be assessed first.
A nurse is caring for a client in labor who is experiencing incomplete uterine relaxation between hypertonic contractions.
What adverse effect does the nurse recognize as a result of this contraction pattern?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While reduced fetal oxygen supply can occur with hypertonic contractions and inadequate uterine relaxation, it’s not the primary adverse effect. The main concern is the impact on the progress of labor.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. Inadequate uterine relaxation between hypertonic contractions can delay cervical dilation, slowing the progress of labor.
Choice C rationale
Prolonged labor is not typically associated with hypertonic contractions and inadequate uterine relaxation. In fact, these conditions can lead to a more rapid labor.
Choice D rationale
Increased maternal stress can occur with any labor complication, but it’s not the primary adverse effect of hypertonic contractions and inadequate uterine relaxation.
A nurse is providing care for a 6-month-old infant who underwent a cardiac catheterization.
The child was diagnosed with pulmonary stenosis early in infancy and was admitted today for a balloon angioplasty procedure.
Which of the following should the nurse plan to include in the discharge teaching?
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying a pressure dressing four hours after discharge is not typically recommended following a cardiac catheterization. The site of the catheter insertion is usually covered with a simple dressing and observed for any signs of bleeding or swelling.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important to monitor for signs of impaired circulation, such as a cool extremity, this is not the primary concern following a cardiac catheterization. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, not typically affecting the peripheral temperature of the extremities.
Choice C rationale
Administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain as needed is a common recommendation following procedures like a balloon angioplasty. Pain can result from the catheter insertion site and these medications can help manage it.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining a clear liquid diet for 24 hours after discharge is not typically necessary following a cardiac catheterization. Once the child is alert, they are usually provided with clear liquids and later something to eat.
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