Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on a labor unit is admitting a client who reports painful contractions. The nurse determines that the contractions have a duration of 1 minute and a frequency of 3 minutes. The nurse obtains the following vital signs: fetal heart rate 130/min, maternal heart rate 128/min, and maternal blood pressure 92/54 mm Hg. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

• A. Notify the provider of the findings.
• B. Position the client with one hip elevated.
• C. Ask the client if she needs pain medication.
• D. Have the client void.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse in this situation is to position the client with one hip elevated. This position can help improve blood flow to the placenta and stabilize blood pressure, which is crucial for both the client and the fetus during labor. It can also help optimize fetal oxygenation by improving circulation. Notifying the provider of the findings may be necessary, but ensuring proper positioning of the client takes precedence to address the immediate physiological needs. Asking the client about pain medication or having the client void are important interventions but are not the priority in this scenario where the client is experiencing painful contractions and has low blood pressure.

2. When a client states, 'My water just broke,' what is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Perform Nitrazine testing.
• B. Assess the fluid.
• C. Check cervical dilation.
• D. Begin FHR monitoring.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Begin FHR monitoring. The priority intervention when a client's water breaks is to assess the fetal well-being due to the risk of umbilical cord prolapse. Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) will help the nurse ensure the fetus's well-being. Performing Nitrazine testing (choice A) or assessing the fluid (choice B) may provide information about the rupture of membranes but does not directly address fetal well-being. Checking cervical dilation (choice C) is important but not the priority when the client's water has broken.

3. A client who received carboprost for postpartum hemorrhage is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following findings is an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Constipation
• D. Muscle weakness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Carboprost is a vasoconstrictor medication used to control postpartum hemorrhage by contracting the uterus. One of the adverse effects of carboprost is hypertension due to its vasoconstrictive properties. Hypertension can occur as a result of increased peripheral vascular resistance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypothermia, constipation, and muscle weakness are not typically associated with the administration of carboprost. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client's blood pressure closely while on carboprost to promptly detect and manage hypertension.

4. When providing care for a client in preterm labor at 32 weeks of gestation, which medication should the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe to hasten fetal lung maturity?

• A. Calcium gluconate
• B. Indomethacin
• C. Nifedipine
• D. Betamethasone

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Betamethasone is the correct medication to anticipate the provider prescribing to hasten fetal lung maturity in clients at risk for preterm labor. It is a corticosteroid that helps promote lung maturation in the preterm fetus by stimulating the production of surfactant, which is essential for lung function. This medication is commonly given to pregnant individuals at risk of preterm delivery between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. Calcium gluconate, Indomethacin, and Nifedipine are not used to hasten fetal lung maturity in preterm labor; they serve different purposes in maternal and fetal care.

5. During a weekly prenatal visit, a nurse is assessing a client at 38 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure 136/88 mm Hg
• B. Report of insomnia
• C. Weight gain of 2.2 kg (4.8 lb)
• D. Report of Braxton-Hicks contractions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A weight gain of 2.2 kg (4.8 lb) in a week is above the expected reference range for a client at 38 weeks of gestation and could indicate complications such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Rapid weight gain at this stage requires immediate attention and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and D are not the priority findings to report to the provider at this stage of gestation. Blood pressure of 136/88 mm Hg is within normal limits in pregnancy, insomnia is common in the third trimester, and Braxton-Hicks contractions are expected in the third trimester as the body prepares for labor.

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