A nurse is caring for a patient who had an amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later.

Which action should be taken first?

Notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Administer pain medication to the patient.

Encourage the patient to rest and elevate her legs.

Offer emotional support and reassurance to the patient.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.

These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.

Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.

Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:

No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid

No signs of infection or other illness in the baby

Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Increased joint laxity contributes to increased spinal curvature in pregnant women.

Joint laxity is caused by the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments and joints of the pelvis and spine to prepare for childbirth.

This can result in increased lordosis (inward curvature) of the lumbar spine and increased kyphosis (outward curvature) of the thoracic spine.

Choice B is wrong because increased weight gain does not directly affect spinal curvature, but it can cause postural changes such as anterior pelvic tilt and forward trunk lean.

Choice C is wrong because increased muscle strain is a consequence, not a cause, of spinal curvature changes.

Muscle strain can occur due to the altered biomechanics and balance of the spine and pelvis during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is also a consequence, not a cause, of spinal curvature changes.

Muscle strength can decrease due to reduced physical activity, hormonal changes, or pain during pregnancy.

Normal ranges for spinal curvature vary depending on age, sex, and measurement method, but generally they are:

Sacral inclination: 30-50 degrees

Lumbar curvature: 20-45 degrees

Thoracic curvature: 20-40 degrees

Cervical curvature: 20-35 degrees

A. Insulin resistance would be increased. B. Sweat and sebaceous glands would increase production. C. Pyrosis would increase in frequency. D. Peristalsis and uterine contractility would increase.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Peristalsis and uterine contractility would increase.

This is because progesterone is a hormone that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy.

If progesterone were reduced or withdrawn, the uterus would contract more and peristalsis would increase, leading to possible preterm labor and digestive problems.

Choice A is wrong because insulin resistance would be decreased, not increased, by lower progesterone levels.

Progesterone increases insulin resistance during pregnancy to ensure adequate glucose supply for the fetus.

Choice B is wrong because sweat and sebaceous glands would decrease production, not increase, by lower progesterone levels.

Progesterone stimulates the activity of these glands during pregnancy to regulate body temperature and protect the skin from infections.

Choice C is wrong because pyrosis (heartburn) would decrease in frequency, not increase, by lower progesterone levels.

Progesterone relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter during pregnancy, allowing gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus and cause pyrosis.

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A nurse is caring for a patient who had an amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later. Which action should be taken first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the changes in her posture during pregnancy. Which factor contributes to increased spinal curvature?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which factors would change during pregnancy if the hormone progesterone were withdrawn or reduced?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client about the hormonal changes during pregnancy. Which hormone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum and stimulating fetal growth ?

A nurse is caring for a patient who had an amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later. Which action should be taken first?

A nurse is caring for a patient who had an amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later.

Which action should be taken first?