A patient is scheduled for an amniocentesis when she is 18 weeks pregnant. Which instruction concerning amniocentesis should the nurse give to the patient?
Plan to remain flat in bed for six hours after the test.
Expect some vaginal bleeding after the test.
Empty your bladder prior to the test.
Do not consume any solid foods for sixteen hours prior to the test.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Empty your bladder prior to the test. This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of complications. Amniocentesis is a test that involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb. It is done to check for genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because there is no need to remain flat in bed for six hours after the test. You can resume your normal activities after a few hours of rest.
Choice B is wrong because vaginal bleeding is not a normal outcome of amniocentesis. If you experience any bleeding, leaking of fluid, fever or severe pain after the test, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Choice D is wrong because there is no restriction on eating before the test. You can have your normal meals and drinks before amniocentesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A and it indicates fetal distress because it is a sign oflate deceleration.Late decelerations are due touteroplacental insufficiencyas the result of decreased blood flow and oxygen to the fetus during the uterine contractions.This causeshypoxemiaand can lead to fetal acidosis and neurological damage.
Choice B is wrong because it indicates anormal variabilityin the fetal heart rate, which reflects a healthy autonomic nervous system.A normal fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute.
Choice C is wrong because it indicates anearly accelerationin the fetal heart rate, which is a benign finding that may occur with fetal movement or stimulation.
Choice D is wrong because it indicates anearly decelerationin the fetal heart rate, which is a normal response to fetal head compression during contractions.
It does not indicate fetal distress.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate patterns are:
• Baseline: 120-160 beats per minute
• Variability: 6-25 beats per minute
• Accelerations: at least 15 beats per minute above baseline for at least 15 seconds
• Decelerations: none or early (mirror contractions)
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum.This is because petrolatum can help soothe and protect the perineal area, which may be swollen, bruised, or have stitches after a vaginal delivery.Applying petrolatum can also prevent the pad from sticking to the wound and causing more pain.
Choice A is wrong because observing the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood is not a specific action for perineal care.Bright red blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the patient’s vaginal tone is not a priority action for perineal care.Vaginal tone may be reduced after childbirth due to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, but this can improve with time and exercises.
Choice C is wrong because massaging the patient’s perineum is not recommended for perineal care.Massaging the perineum may cause more trauma and discomfort to the area, especially if there are stitches or hemorrhoids.Massaging the fundus (the top of the uterus) may be done to help it contract and prevent bleeding, but this is different from massaging the perineum.
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