Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor. The client reports the urge to have a bowel movement and begins to bear down during contractions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Instruct the client to perform rapid, shallow breathing
• B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth
• C. Have the client perform pelvic tilts during contractions
• D. Apply counterpressure to the client's sacrum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to perform rapid, shallow breathing. The urge to bear down during contractions indicates the second stage of labor, and pushing prematurely can lead to complications. Rapid, shallow breathing helps prevent pushing until the cervix is fully dilated. Choice B is incorrect because preparing for an emergency cesarean birth is not indicated based on the information provided. Choice C is incorrect as pelvic tilts are not appropriate when the client is already bearing down. Choice D is incorrect since applying counterpressure to the sacrum is not the priority when the client is showing signs of advancing labor.

2. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 1 day old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 160/min
• B. Axillary temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F)
• C. Yellow-tinged skin
• D. Respiratory rate 42/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Yellow-tinged skin. Yellow-tinged skin within the first 24 hours of life can indicate pathological jaundice and should be reported to the provider. High heart rate (Choice A), normal axillary temperature (Choice B), and slightly elevated respiratory rate (Choice D) are common findings in newborns and may not necessarily require immediate reporting unless they persist or are significantly abnormal.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 35 weeks of gestation and has suspected placenta previa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Painless vaginal bleeding
• B. Severe abdominal pain
• C. Uterine contractions
• D. Increased fetal movement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding as the placenta is located over or near the cervical opening. This bleeding occurs because the placental vessels are stretched and bleed easily. Severe abdominal pain (choice B) is not a typical finding in placenta previa. Uterine contractions (choice C) are more characteristic of preterm labor rather than placenta previa. Increased fetal movement (choice D) is not a specific finding associated with placenta previa.

4. A newborn delivered at 41 weeks of gestation is showing signs of postmaturity. Which of the following findings is an indication of fetal postmaturity?

• A. Soft, flexible ear cartilage
• B. Smooth soles without creases
• C. Thin with loose skin
• D. Vernix caseosa covering the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Thin with loose skin.' Postmature newborns are typically thin with loose skin due to prolonged gestation. This may result from placental insufficiency, leading to reduced subcutaneous fat stores. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Soft, flexible ear cartilage (choice A) is a normal finding in newborns. Smooth soles without creases (choice B) are also typical in newborns. Vernix caseosa covering the body (choice D) is a protective, waxy coating found on newborns, which may be present in postmature infants as well.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and has gestational hypertension. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. 1+ proteinuria
• B. Blood pressure 144/92 mm Hg
• C. Respiratory rate 22/min
• D. Urine output 20 mL/hr

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should report a urine output of 20 mL/hr. This finding can indicate decreased renal perfusion and possible development of preeclampsia, which is a severe complication of gestational hypertension. Inadequate urine output can suggest compromised kidney function and impaired maternal and fetal well-being. Options A, B, and C are within normal limits for a client with gestational hypertension and may not require immediate reporting to the provider.

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