A 23-year-old primigravida who appears to be in her third trimester of pregnancy comes to the labor and delivery unit reporting acute abdominal pain. She has had no prenatal care. Which assessment should the nurse do first?
Obtain a full history.
Examine the cervix for dilation
Examine the cervix for dilation.
Palpate for uterine contraction frequency
The Correct Answer is C
This is because the first priority for a pregnant woman with acute abdominal pain is to assess the fetal well-being and rule out any obstetric complications such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, or preterm labor. Fetal heart tones can indicate the presence and viability of the fetus and alert the nurse to any signs of fetal distress or hypoxia.
Choice A: Obtain a full history is wrong because it is not the most urgent action.
A full history can provide valuable information about the possible causes of abdominal pain, but it should not delay the assessment of fetal status and maternal vital signs.
Choice B: Examine the cervix for dilation is wrong because it can be harmful in some cases. A digital cervical examination should be avoided until placenta previa is ruled out by ultrasound, as it can cause bleeding and worsen the condition.
Moreover, cervical dilation alone does not indicate the cause or severity of abdominal pain.
Choice D: Palpate for uterine contraction frequency is wrong because it is not the most reliable method to assess labor. Uterine contractions can be measured by external tocodynamometry or internal intrauterine pressure catheter, which can provide more accurate and objective data than manual palpation.
Furthermore, uterine contractions do not necessarily indicate labor, as they can also be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, infection, or irritable uterus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Empty your bladder prior to the test.This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of complications.Amniocentesis is a test that involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb.It is done to check for genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because there is no need to remain flat in bed for six hours after the test.You can resume your normal activities after a few hours of rest.
Choice B is wrong because vaginal bleeding is not a normal outcome of amniocentesis.If you experience any bleeding, leaking of fluid, fever or severe pain after the test, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Choice D is wrong because there is no restriction on eating before the test.You can have your normal meals and drinks before amniocentesis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The fluid that the mother has in her breasts before the milk comes in is called colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients that the baby needs.
It also helps to prevent jaundice by stimulating the baby’s bowel movements.
Therefore, the nurse should encourage the mother to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth and explain the benefits of colostrum.
Choice A is wrong because it discourages breastfeeding and may interfere with milk production and bonding.
Choice B is wrong because it implies that breastfeeding is only a skill and not a natural process that benefits both the mother and the baby.
Choice C is wrong because it focuses on the emotional aspect of breastfeeding and not the physiological one.
While breastfeeding may enhance the closeness between the mother and the baby, it is not the only reason to breastfeed.
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