A nurse teaching a prenatal class is asked why infants of diabetic mothers are often larger than those born to women who do not have diabetes. On what information about pregnant women with diabetes should the nurse base the response?

Consuming more calories covers the insulin secreted by the fetus.

Fetal weight gain increases as a result of the common response of maternal overeating.

Extra circulating glucose causes the fetus to acquire fatty deposits.

Taking exogenous insulin stimulates fetal growth

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Consuming more calories covers the insulin secreted by the fetus. The fetus does not secrete insulin to regulate maternal glucose levels. Instead, the maternal pancreas produces insulin in response to blood sugar levels, but in diabetes, maternal insulin resistance leads to excess glucose being transferred to the fetus.

B. Fetal weight gain increases as a result of the common response of maternal overeating. While some women with diabetes may have increased caloric intake, this is not the primary reason for fetal macrosomia (large birth weight). The major factor is maternal hyperglycemia leading to excess fetal insulin production and fat deposition.

C. Extra circulating glucose causes the fetus to acquire fatty deposits. In diabetic pregnancies, excess maternal glucose crosses the placenta, leading to fetal hyperinsulinemia. The increased insulin promotes fat storage and excessive fetal growth, leading to macrosomia, which increases the risk of birth complications such as shoulder dystocia.

D. Taking exogenous insulin stimulates fetal growth. Insulin does not cross the placenta, so maternal insulin therapy does not directly affect fetal growth. Instead, fetal macrosomia results from prolonged exposure to maternal hyperglycemia, which causes the fetus to produce excessive insulin and store extra fat.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Internal fetal monitoring. Internal fetal monitoring is contraindicated when placenta previa is suspected because it involves inserting a catheter or electrode into the uterus, which can increase the risk of hemorrhage if the placenta is covering the cervix.

B. Amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity. While fetal lung maturity assessment may be relevant if early delivery is being considered, it is not an immediate diagnostic procedure for evaluating the cause of vaginal bleeding. The priority is to determine placenta location and rule out placenta previa.

C. Contraction stress test. A contraction stress test evaluates fetal response to contractions but is not the appropriate initial diagnostic test in a patient with vaginal bleeding. Stimulating contractions could worsen bleeding if placenta previa or another placental abnormality is present.

D. Ultrasound for placenta location. The first-line diagnostic test for painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is an ultrasound. It helps determine whether the bleeding is due to placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which requires careful management to prevent complications.

A. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm B. Irregular, mild uterine contractions are occurring every 15-30 minutes C. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva D. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm. Cervical changes, including effacement and dilation, are the most definitive signs of preterm labor. Uterine contractions alone do not confirm preterm labor unless they result in cervical dilation, indicating that labor is progressing.

B. Irregular, mild uterine contractions are occurring every 15-30 minutes. Irregular contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can be common in pregnancy and do not necessarily indicate preterm labor. True preterm labor involves regular contractions that lead to cervical changes.

C. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva. The absence of estriol in maternal saliva does not confirm or rule out preterm labor. Salivary estriol testing is not a widely used or reliable diagnostic tool for determining the onset of preterm labor.

D. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretion. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein found in vaginal secretions between 22-34 weeks of pregnancy and can indicate a risk of preterm labor, but its presence alone does not confirm that labor is actively occurring. A positive fFN test means the patient may be at increased risk for preterm labor, but cervical changes remain the best indicator of actual labor.

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A nurse teaching a prenatal class is asked why infants of diabetic mothers are often larger than those born to women who do not have diabetes. On what information about pregnant women with diabetes should the nurse base the response?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 26-year old having her first baby is 28 weeks pregnant. She experiences bright red, painless vaginal bleeding, soaking one pad. Upon her arrival at the hospital, after placing her on the FHR Monitor, what would be an expected diagnostic procedure?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. Which finding is most indicative that preterm labor is occurring?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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