A nurse is assessing a client who has placenta previa and is receiving fetal monitoring.
Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?
Variable decelerations.
Painless vaginal bleeding.
Rigid abdomen.
Uterine tachysystole.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Variable decelerations are typically caused by umbilical cord compression, which can occur in various obstetric scenarios but are not a specific expected finding for placenta previa. In placenta previa, the primary issue is placental implantation over or near the cervical os, leading to distinct clinical manifestations.
Choice B rationale
Painless vaginal bleeding is the hallmark clinical finding of placenta previa. This occurs because the placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment, potentially covering the internal cervical os. As the cervix effaces or dilates, the placenta separates from the uterine wall, leading to bleeding without the associated pain of uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale
A rigid abdomen is a classic sign of abruptio placentae, where the placenta prematurely detaches from the uterine wall. This causes internal bleeding and uterine spasm, leading to a board-like, tender abdomen, which is distinct from the typical presentation of placenta previa.
Choice D rationale
Uterine tachysystole, characterized by excessive uterine contractions, is a common finding in conditions like abruptio placentae or during labor induction. It is not typically associated with placenta previa, where the primary concern is the placental position and the risk of hemorrhage rather than abnormal contraction patterns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Relying solely on facial recognition of staff members is an insufficient and potentially dangerous security measure. Hospital staff members can change shifts, and imposters might attempt to abduct newborns. Robust security protocols, such as mandatory identification badges and alarm systems on infant security tags, are designed to prevent unauthorized individuals from leaving the unit with an infant, providing a more reliable defense against abduction.
Choice B rationale
The instruction to remove a newborn's microchip identification band after arriving home is inaccurate and potentially misleading. Hospitals typically use infant security tags or bands that are removed by staff upon discharge, not by the parents at home. These bands are crucial for preventing abductions within the facility by triggering alarms if an infant is taken beyond designated boundaries.
Choice C rationale
Personally carrying a newborn to the nursery, especially without supervision or adherence to facility protocols, increases the risk of abduction. Hospitals often require staff to transport infants in bassinets or cribs, typically with two staff members present, to minimize opportunities for unauthorized individuals to gain access to or abduct a newborn. This procedure enhances infant safety significantly.
Choice D rationale
Bringing the newborn in the bassinet into the bathroom with the mother maintains constant direct observation and reduces the risk of abduction. This strategy minimizes the time the infant is left unattended, preventing opportunities for an abductor to seize the child. Maintaining proximity and direct line of sight is a fundamental principle of infant security in a hospital environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Magnesium sulfate toxicity causes central nervous system depression, including respiratory depression. A respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min indicates that the respiratory depression has resolved, suggesting the calcium gluconate, a magnesium antagonist, has effectively reversed the neuromuscular blockade caused by magnesium. A normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths/min.
Choice B rationale
Absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) are a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity due to its depressant effect on neuromuscular transmission. If calcium gluconate were effective, DTRs would return to normal or become less diminished, indicating resolution of magnesium's inhibitory effects on the nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Slurred speech is a neurological symptom associated with magnesium sulfate toxicity, reflecting central nervous system depression. If calcium gluconate were effective in reversing the toxicity, slurred speech would improve or resolve as the central nervous system depression diminishes.
Choice D rationale
Urine output of 22 mL/hr indicates oliguria, which can be a sign of worsening preeclampsia or kidney dysfunction, and is not an indicator of effective calcium gluconate administration for magnesium toxicity. Adequate urine output (typically >30 mL/hr) is essential for magnesium excretion and overall renal function.
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