Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals a pigmented vertical line between the umbilicus and the pubis. The nurse documents this finding as:
Select one:
Vascular spider veins.
Linea nigra.
Melasma.
Striae gravidarum.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Vascular spider veins. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the blood vessels, not the pigment. Vascular spider veins are small red or purple clusters of blood vessels that appear on the skin, especially on the face, neck, chest, or legs. Vascular spider veins are caused by increased blood volume and hormonal changes, which dilate and rupture the capillaries. Vascular spider veins are harmless and usually disappear after delivery.
Choice B Reason: Linea nigra. This is because linea nigra is a term that refers to a darkened vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy, which runs from the umbilicus to the pubis. Linea nigra is caused by increased production of melanin, which is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. Linea nigra is more common and noticeable in women with darker skin tones, and it usually fades after delivery.
Choice C Reason: Melasma. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the pigment, but not in a linear patern. Melasma is a term that refers to patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration that appear on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. Melasma is also caused by increased production of melanin, but it is influenced by sun exposure and genetic factors. Melasma is also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, and it may persist after delivery.
Choice D Reason: Striae gravidarum. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the connective tissue, not the pigment. Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that appear on the skin, especially on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or thighs. Striae gravidarum are caused by rapid growth and stretching of the skin, which damage the collagen and elastin fibers. Striae gravidarum are initially red or purple, but they fade to white or silver after delivery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Vitamin K will increase erythropoiesis. This is an incorrect statement that confuses vitamin K with erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Vitamin K does not affect erythropoiesis.
Choice B Reason: Vitamin K will enhance bilirubin breakdown. This is an incorrect statement that confuses vitamin K with phototherapy. Phototherapy is a treatment that exposes the newborn's skin to light, which converts bilirubin into water-soluble forms that can be excreted by the liver and kidneys. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice and brain damage in newborns. Vitamin K does not affect bilirubin metabolism.
Choice C Reason: Vitamin K will stop Rh sensitization. This is an incorrect statement that confuses vitamin K with Rh immune globulin. Rh immune globulin is an injection given to Rh-negative mothers who deliver Rh-positive babies, to prevent them from developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells in future pregnancies. Rh sensitization is a condition where the mother's immune system atacks the baby's blood cells, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K does not affect Rh sensitization.
Choice D Reason: Vitamin K will promote blood clotting ability. This is a correct statement that explains the rationale for administering vitamin K as prophylaxis to newborns. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. Newborns have low levels of vitamin K at birth due to poor placental transfer and lack of intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K. Therefore, they are at risk of bleeding disorders such as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Docusate sodium (Colace). This is because docusate sodium is a stool softener that can prevent constipation and straining during defecation, which can aggravate or impair the healing of a perineal laceration. A fourth-degree perineal laceration is a severe tear that extends through the skin, muscles, perineal body, and anal sphincter into the rectal mucosa. It can occur during vaginal delivery due to factors such as fetal macrosomia, forceps use, or episiotomy.
Choice B Reason: Bromocriptine (Parlodel). This is an inappropriate medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, as it has no effect on wound healing or pain relief. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that can suppress lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion. It is used for women who do not wish to breastfeed or who have medical contraindications to breastfeeding.
Choice C Reason: Ferrous sulfate (Feosol). This is an unnecessary medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, unless she has iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can treat or prevent anemia by increasing hemoglobin production and oxygen-carrying capacity. Anemia can occur in the postpartum period due to blood loss during delivery or poor nutritional intake during pregnancy.
Choice D Reason: Methylergonovine (Methergine). This is an irrelevant medication for a postpartum client with a fourth-degree perineal laceration, as it does not affect wound healing or pain relief. Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum bleeding. It is used for women who have uterine atony or hemorrhage.
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