A nurse is caring for a 32-year-old female client who is at 36 weeks of gestation in the labor and delivery unit.
The nurse should monitor the client’s
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
The nurse should monitor the client’s temperature due to the risk of chorioamnionitis.
Rationale for correct answers
Temperature monitoring is crucial for detecting chorioamnionitis, an infection of the amniotic sac, which is a major risk following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). PPROM increases susceptibility to ascending bacterial infection, leading to inflammation. Fever (>38°C or 100.4°F) is a primary diagnostic criterion.
Chorioamnionitis presents with maternal fever, fetal tachycardia (>160/min), uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid. The client's normal temperature now (36.7°C) requires ongoing monitoring, as infection could develop rapidly.
Rationale for incorrect Response 1 options
- Magnesium levels: Magnesium sulfate is used for seizure prophylaxis in eclampsia or for neuroprotection in preterm labor. This client has no signs of either condition.
- Fundal height: Measurement assesses fetal growth and amniotic fluid levels; it is not a direct indicator of infection risk.
- Clotting factors: No evidence of coagulopathy or bleeding abnormalities; coagulation profile is normal.
Rationale for incorrect Response 2 options
- Concealed hemorrhage: No signs of placental abruption (painful bleeding, rigid abdomen). Normal hemoglobin (12.0 g/dL) supports this.
- Seizures: No hypertensive crisis or neurological symptoms suggestive of eclampsia.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): No abnormal coagulation markers or evidence of excessive bleeding.
Take-home points
• PPROM increases the risk of chorioamnionitis, a serious intrauterine infection. • Fever monitoring is essential, as maternal fever is an early indicator of infection. • Antibiotics are given prophylactically to reduce chorioamnionitis risk in PPROM. • Differentiation from placental abruption, eclampsia, and DIC is based on clinical and laboratory findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Completely saturating a perineal pad within 15 minutes indicates excessive postpartum bleeding, which is most commonly caused by uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery). Massaging the fundus stimulates uterine muscles to contract, helping to compress blood vessels at the placental site and control bleeding. This is the priority intervention to prevent further blood loss and potential hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Assessing vital signs is important to evaluate the extent of blood loss and the woman's hemodynamic stability. However, the immediate priority is to address the cause of the excessive bleeding by promoting uterine contraction. Vital sign assessment should follow fundal massage.
Choice C rationale
Calling the primary health care provider is necessary to report the excessive bleeding and implement further management if fundal massage is not effective. However, the nurse's immediate action should be to address the likely cause of the bleeding through fundal massage.
Choice D rationale
Initiating an intravenous (IV) infusion of Ringer's lactate solution may be necessary to restore fluid volume if significant blood loss has occurred or continues. However, the immediate priority is to stop the bleeding by promoting uterine contraction through fundal massage. IV fluids are a subsequent intervention to support hemodynamic stability.
Correct Answer is ["7"]
Explanation
Step 1: Heart rate of 110/min scores 2 points (normal heart rate >100).
Step 2: Slow weak cry scores 1 point (good strong cry scores 2, no cry scores 0).
Step 3: Some flexion of extremities scores 1 point (active movement scores 2, limp scores 0).
Step 4: Grimace in response to suctioning scores 1 point (coughing or sneezing scores 2, no response scores 0).
Step 5: Body pink, blue extremities scores 1 point (completely pink scores 2, completely blue or pale scores 0).
Step 6: Total Apgar score is the sum of the scores from each category: 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 7. Final calculated answer: 7.
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