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 client in the first stage of labor is experiencing lower back pain and asks the nurse what can be done to relieve the pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest?

• A. Perform effleurage on the client's abdomen
• B. Apply counterpressure to the client's sacrum
• C. Provide a back massage with lavender oil
• D. Administer opioid analgesics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Applying counterpressure to the sacrum can help alleviate lower back pain during labor by reducing pressure on the nerves. Effleurage on the abdomen, back massage with lavender oil, and administering opioid analgesics are not specifically targeted at relieving lower back pain, making them less effective interventions in this scenario.

3. A nurse is assessing a newborn who was delivered 6 hours ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Respiratory rate of 70/min
• B. Vernix caseosa covering the skin
• C. Milia on the bridge of the nose
• D. Acrocyanosis of the extremities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 70/min in a newborn is above the expected range and may indicate respiratory distress, which should be reported to the provider. Choice B, vernix caseosa covering the skin, is a normal finding in newborns and does not require reporting. Choice C, milia on the bridge of the nose, is also a common finding in newborns and does not require immediate reporting. Choice D, acrocyanosis of the extremities, is a common finding within the first few hours of life in newborns and typically resolves on its own, so it does not need to be reported.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours postpartum and is receiving oxytocin to control postpartum bleeding. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure 80/50 mm Hg
• B. Uterine contractions
• C. Urine output 150 mL in 2 hours
• D. Client reports cramping

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood pressure 80/50 mm Hg.' Hypotension can be a side effect of oxytocin administration. A blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg should be reported to the provider. Choice B, 'Uterine contractions,' is an expected finding as oxytocin is used to stimulate uterine contractions. Choice C, 'Urine output 150 mL in 2 hours,' is within the expected range postpartum. Choice D, 'Client reports cramping,' is a common finding due to uterine contractions and is not a cause for concern unless excessive or severe.

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