Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a newborn 1 hr after birth. Which of the following respiratory rates is within the expected reference range for a newborn?

• A. 22/min
• B. 48/min
• C. 100/min
• D. 110/min

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The expected respiratory rate for a newborn is between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. A rate of 48 breaths per minute falls within this range, indicating normal respiratory function for a newborn. Choice A (22/min) is below the expected range, Choices C (100/min) and D (110/min) are above the expected range for a newborn's respiratory rate.

2. During active labor, a nurse notes tachycardia on the external fetal monitor tracing. Which of the following conditions should the nurse identify as a potential cause of the heart rate?

• A. Maternal fever
• B. Fetal heart failure
• C. Maternal hypoglycemia
• D. Fetal head compression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Maternal fever can lead to fetal tachycardia due to the transmission of maternal fever to the fetus. This can result in an increased fetal heart rate, making it the correct potential cause in this scenario. Fetal heart failure (choice B) would typically present with bradycardia rather than tachycardia, making it an incorrect choice. Maternal hypoglycemia (choice C) is more likely to cause fetal distress rather than tachycardia. Fetal head compression (choice D) may lead to decelerations in the fetal heart rate pattern, but not necessarily tachycardia.

3. During preterm labor, a client is scheduled for an amniocentesis. The nurse should review which of the following tests to assess fetal lung maturity?

• A. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• B. Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
• C. Kleihauer-Betke test
• D. Indirect Coombs' test

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio is a test used to evaluate fetal lung maturity. An L/S ratio greater than 2:1 indicates fetal lung maturity. This test helps in determining the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used in screening for neural tube defects, not for assessing lung maturity. The Kleihauer-Betke test is used to detect fetal-maternal hemorrhage, not fetal lung maturity. The Indirect Coombs' test is used to identify the presence of antibodies in the mother's blood that could attack fetal red blood cells, not for assessing lung maturity.

4. A nurse is caring for several clients. The nurse should recognize that it is safe to administer tocolytic therapy to which of the following clients?

• A. A client who is experiencing fetal death at 32 weeks of gestation
• B. A client who is experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation
• C. A client who is experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions at 36 weeks of gestation
• D. A client who has a post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks of gestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tocolytic therapy is used to suppress premature labor. It is appropriate to administer it to a client experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation to help delay delivery and improve neonatal outcomes. Administering tocolytic therapy to a client experiencing fetal death, Braxton-Hicks contractions, or post-term pregnancy is not indicated and may not be safe or effective in these situations. Fetal death at 32 weeks indicates a non-viable pregnancy, Braxton-Hicks contractions are normal and not indicative of preterm labor, and post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks does not require tocolytic therapy.

5. While assisting with the care of a client in active labor, a nurse observes clear fluid and a loop of pulsating umbilical cord outside the client's vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

• A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
• B. Apply finger pressure to the presenting part
• C. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario of umbilical cord prolapse during labor, the nurse should first call for assistance. Umbilical cord prolapse is a critical obstetric emergency that requires immediate attention and skilled assistance. Calling for help ensures that additional support is on the way to provide prompt intervention. Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position (Choice A) is no longer recommended as it may worsen the situation. Applying finger pressure to the presenting part (Choice B) can further compress the cord. Administering oxygen (Choice C) is important but should come after addressing the prolapsed cord.

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