Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing care for a client who is in active labor and receiving oxytocin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Contraction frequency of 2 minutes
• B. Contraction duration of 90 seconds
• C. Fetal heart rate of 150/min
• D. Urine output of 60 mL/hr

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A contraction duration of 90 seconds can indicate uterine tachysystole, which may lead to fetal hypoxia. Uterine tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over a 30-minute window. Contractions every 2 minutes (Choice A) may occur in active labor but need to be assessed in conjunction with other factors. A fetal heart rate of 150/min (Choice C) is within the normal range. Urine output of 60 mL/hr (Choice D) is also within the expected range for a client in labor.

2. 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.

3. A client who is postpartum reports abdominal cramping during breastfeeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer ibuprofen
• B. Administer oxytocin
• C. Place a warm compress on the client's abdomen
• D. Assist the client to change positions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abdominal cramping during breastfeeding is common due to the release of oxytocin. Ibuprofen, an analgesic, is suitable for relieving discomfort. Administering oxytocin is unnecessary and may exacerbate the cramping. Placing a warm compress may not address the underlying cause of the cramping. Changing positions may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause of the cramping.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?

• A. Contraction frequency of every 3 minutes
• B. Contraction duration of 80 seconds
• C. Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate
• D. Urine output of 50 mL/hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate require immediate intervention as they can indicate fetal distress due to uteroplacental insufficiency. This finding suggests a compromised blood flow to the fetus, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Contraction frequency and duration are important to monitor but do not necessitate immediate intervention unless they are causing fetal distress. Urine output of 50 mL/hr is within the normal range for a client in labor and does not require immediate intervention.

5. A nurse is providing care to a client who is in active labor. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask
• B. Reposition the client from side to side
• C. Increase the rate of the IV infusion
• D. Notify the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when observing variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate is to reposition the client from side to side. Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression, and repositioning the client can relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen, increasing the IV infusion rate, and notifying the provider can be appropriate actions but repositioning the client takes priority in addressing variable decelerations.

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