Nursing Elites

1. A client in active labor at 39 weeks of gestation is receiving continuous IV oxytocin and has early decelerations in the FHR on the monitor tracing. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
• B. Continue monitoring the client.
• C. Request that the provider assess the client.
• D. Increase the infusion rate of the maintenance IV fluid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early decelerations in the FHR are benign and are typically caused by fetal head compression during contractions. In this case, with the client at 39 weeks of gestation and on oxytocin, it is important for the nurse to continue monitoring the client. Early decelerations do not require intervention as they are a normal response to certain stimuli and do not indicate fetal distress. Discontinuing the oxytocin infusion (Choice A) is not necessary as early decelerations are not related to oxytocin administration. Requesting the provider to assess the client (Choice C) is not needed for early decelerations as they are a normal finding. Increasing the infusion rate of the maintenance IV fluid (Choice D) is not indicated and would not address the early decelerations. Therefore, the appropriate action is to continue monitoring the client and reassess as needed.

2. A client who is at 42 weeks gestation and in labor asks the nurse what to expect because the baby is postmature. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Your baby will have excess baby fat.
• B. Your baby will have flat areola without breast buds.
• C. Your baby's heels will easily move to his ears.
• D. Your baby's skin will have a leathery appearance.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Your baby's skin will have a leathery appearance.' Postmature infants, born after 42 weeks of gestation, may have a leathery appearance of the skin due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid. This occurs as the protective vernix caseosa is shed, and the skin loses its protective covering, leading to a wrinkled and dry appearance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Excess baby fat is not a typical characteristic of postmature infants. Flat areola without breast buds and the ability of the baby's heels to easily move to his ears are not associated with postmaturity.

3. While caring for a newborn undergoing phototherapy to treat hyperbilirubinemia, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Cover the newborn's eyes with an opaque eye mask while under the phototherapy light.
• B. Keep the newborn in a shirt while under the phototherapy light.
• C. Apply a light moisturizing lotion to the newborn's skin.
• D. Turn and reposition the newborn every 4 hours while undergoing phototherapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is crucial to cover the newborn's eyes with an opaque eye mask to prevent damage to the retinas and corneas from the phototherapy light. The eyes are particularly sensitive to the light used in phototherapy, and shielding them helps protect the newborn's delicate eyes from potential harm. Choice B is incorrect because the newborn should be undressed to maximize skin exposure to the phototherapy light. Choice C is incorrect because lotions or oils can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy. Choice D is incorrect because the newborn should be kept as still as possible to maximize exposure to the light.

4. A client who is at 22 weeks gestation is being educated by a nurse about the amniocentesis procedure. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You will lie on your right side during the procedure.
• B. You should not eat anything for 24 hours before the procedure.
• C. You should empty your bladder before the procedure.
• D. The test is performed to determine gestational age.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should advise the client to empty her bladder before an amniocentesis to minimize the risk of bladder puncture during the procedure. This precaution helps ensure the safety and accuracy of the procedure by reducing potential complications related to bladder puncture. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because lying on the right side, fasting for 24 hours, and determining gestational age are not relevant instructions for an amniocentesis procedure.

5. A client has postpartum psychosis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Reinforce the importance of taking antipsychotics as prescribed
• B. Ask the client if they have thoughts of harming themselves or their infant
• C. Monitor the infant for signs of failure to thrive
• D. Check the client's medical record for a history of bipolar disorder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a client has postpartum psychosis, the priority action for the nurse is to ask the client if they have thoughts of harming themselves or their infant. This is crucial to assess the risk of harm and ensure the safety of the client and the infant. While reinforcing the importance of taking antipsychotics as prescribed is essential for treatment, safety concerns take precedence. Monitoring the infant for signs of failure to thrive is important for the infant's well-being but is not the priority when the immediate safety of the client and infant is at risk. Checking the client's medical record for a history of bipolar disorder is relevant for understanding the client's medical history but is not the priority when addressing current safety concerns.

Similar Questions