A nurse is assessing a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and reports sudden, severe abdominal pain with moderate vaginal bleeding and persistent uterine contractions.
The client's blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, and her abdomen is rigid.
The nurse should identify these findings as indicating which of the following complications?

Uterine rupture.

Placental abruption.

Placenta previa.

Amniotic fluid embolus.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Uterine rupture typically presents with intense, constant abdominal pain and signs of shock. However, the absence of visible bleeding in the abdominal cavity makes this choice less likely in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. The sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, rigid abdomen) are indicative of placental abruption. This condition requires immediate medical intervention due to the risk of fetal and maternal compromise.

Choice C rationale:

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening. It typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The severe abdominal pain described in the scenario is inconsistent with placenta previa.

Choice D rationale:

Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare and life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. It can lead to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Although it can cause respiratory distress and hypotension, it does not usually present with severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

- A. Incorrect. Evaluating dietary intake requires nursing judgment and knowledge of nutrition and eating disorders. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

- B. Incorrect. Measuring vital signs of a postoperative client requires nursing assessment and monitoring for complications. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

- C. Correct. Arranging the lunch tray for a client who has a hip fracture is a routine task that does not require nursing skills or judgment. This task can be delegated to an AP.

- D. Incorrect. Assessing I&O for a client who is receiving dialysis requires nursing knowledge of fluid and electrolyte balance and renal function. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

A. Limit suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time B. Group several nursing activities to be completed at one time C. Flex the client's neck forward D. Place the client in a quiet environment

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Place the client in a quiet environment.

A. Limiting suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing hypoxia and hypercarbia, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased cerebral blood volume. However, this intervention alone is not sufficient to prevent increased intracranial pressure, and suctioning should be done only when necessary and with caution. Therefore, this choice is partially correct but not the best answer.
B. Grouping several nursing activities to be completed at one time can increase intracranial pressure by stimulating the client and causing fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate.Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
C. Flexing the client's neck forward can increase intracranial pressure by impeding venous drainage from the brain and increasing cerebral blood volume. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
D. Placing the client in a quiet environment can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing sensory stimulation and promoting relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate and decrease cerebral metabolic demand. Therefore, this choice is correct and the best answer.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke 6 hr ago. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An RN is observing a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP) move a client up in bed. For which of the following situations should the nurse intervene?

A nurse manager is reviewing clients' rights with the nurses on the unit. The nurse manager should tell the nurses that informed consent promotes which of the following ethical principles?

A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the ICU to the medical floor. The client was recently weaned from mechanical ventilation following a pneumonectomy. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the change-of-shift report?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for misoprostol for induction of labor.Which of the following findings is a contraindication for administration of this medication?

A nurse must recommend clients for discharge in order to make room for several critically injured clients from a local disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend for discharge?

A home health nurse is caring for a group of older adult clients. The nurse should initiate a referral to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for which of the following clients?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for clonidine. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following findings is an adverse effect of this medication?

A nurse is performing a physical assessment of a newborn whose mother used cocaine throughout the pregnancy.Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?