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. A nurse is teaching clients in a prenatal class about the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the clients to consume an adequate amount of folic acid from various sources to prevent which of the following fetal abnormalities?

• A. Neural tube defect
• B. Trisomy 21
• C. Cleft lip
• D. Atrial septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should educate clients that inadequate folic acid intake is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects in newborns. Consuming an adequate amount of folic acid from sources like fortified cereals, oranges, artichokes, liver, broccoli, and asparagus can help prevent this serious fetal abnormality. Trisomy 21 (Choice B) is caused by an extra chromosome 21 and is not preventable by folic acid intake. Cleft lip (Choice C) and atrial septal defect (Choice D) are not directly linked to folic acid intake during pregnancy.

3. A healthcare provider is discussing the differences between true labor and false labor with a group of expectant parents. Which of the following characteristics should the healthcare provider include when discussing true labor?

• A. Contractions become stronger with walking.
• B. Discomfort can be relieved with a back massage.
• C. Contractions become irregular with a change in activity.
• D. Discomfort is felt above the umbilicus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During true labor, contractions typically become stronger and more regular with activity, such as walking. This is a key characteristic that helps differentiate true labor from false labor. In false labor, contractions often remain irregular and do not intensify with changes in activity. Choice B is incorrect because discomfort in true labor is not typically relieved with a back massage. Choice C is incorrect as contractions in true labor become stronger and more regular with activity rather than irregular. Choice D is incorrect because discomfort in true labor is usually felt in the lower abdomen and pelvis, not above the umbilicus.

4. A full-term newborn is being assessed by a nurse 15 minutes after birth. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Heart rate 168/min
• B. Respiratory rate 18/min
• C. Tremors
• D. Fine crackles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A newborn's respiratory rate can vary between 20 to 100 breaths per minute during the initial phase after birth. A respiratory rate as low as 18 breaths per minute at this early stage requires immediate nursing intervention. This finding necessitates further assessment to ensure adequate oxygenation and respiratory function. The other options, heart rate of 168/min, tremors, and fine crackles, are within normal limits for a full-term newborn and do not require immediate intervention.

5. A healthcare professional in a provider's office is reviewing the medical record of a client who is in her first trimester of pregnancy. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional identify as a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia?

• A. Singleton pregnancy
• B. BMI of 20
• C. Maternal age of 32 years
• D. Pregestational diabetes mellitus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pregestational diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for the development of preeclampsia in pregnant individuals. Preeclampsia is more common in women with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, renal disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Singleton pregnancy, a BMI of 20, or maternal age of 32 years are not considered significant risk factors for developing preeclampsia.

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