Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a laboring client whose blood pressure has increased from 110/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg. Which action is the highest priority?

• A. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting.
• B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available.
• C. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours.
• D. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Having calcium gluconate readily available is crucial when administering magnesium sulfate, as it serves as the antidote in case of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can lead to respiratory depression and cardiac arrest in cases of overdose or toxicity, making the prompt availability of calcium gluconate essential for immediate administration to counteract these effects. Providing a quiet environment with subdued lighting may be beneficial for the client's comfort but is not the highest priority in this situation. Assessing deep tendon reflexes every 4 hours is important when administering magnesium sulfate, but it is not the highest priority compared to having calcium gluconate available. Inserting a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output is not the highest priority when preparing to administer magnesium sulfate in this scenario.

2. When a client delivers a viable infant but experiences excessive uncontrolled vaginal bleeding after the IV Pitocin infusion, what information is most important for the nurse to provide when notifying the healthcare provider?

• A. Maternal blood pressure
• B. Estimated blood loss
• C. Length of labor
• D. Amount of IV fluids administered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a situation where a client is experiencing excessive uncontrolled vaginal bleeding post-delivery, the most crucial information for the nurse to provide the healthcare provider is the maternal blood pressure. Maternal blood pressure can help assess the severity of the bleeding and guide immediate interventions to stabilize the client's condition. Estimated blood loss, length of labor, and amount of IV fluids administered are important pieces of information but in this scenario, maternal blood pressure takes precedence as it directly indicates the client's current hemodynamic status.

3. Which intervention is most helpful in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or 'afterpains'?

• A. Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen.
• B. Using a breast pump.
• C. Massaging the abdomen.
• D. Giving oxytocic medications.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen is the most helpful intervention in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or 'afterpains.' This position provides counter-pressure and support to the uterus, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote uterine involution. Choice B, using a breast pump, is not effective in relieving afterpains as it focuses on milk expression. Massaging the abdomen (Choice C) may help with discomfort but does not provide the same level of support as lying prone with a pillow. Giving oxytocic medications (Choice D) is not typically the first-line intervention for afterpains unless there are specific medical indications.

4. Just after delivery, a new mother tells the nurse, 'I was unsuccessful breastfeeding my first child, but I would like to try with this baby.' Which intervention is best for the LPN/LVN to implement first?

• A. Assess the husband's feelings about his wife's decision to breastfeed their baby.
• B. Ask the client to describe why she was unsuccessful with breastfeeding her last child.
• C. Encourage the client to develop a positive attitude about breastfeeding to help ensure success.
• D. Provide assistance to the mother to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention is to provide immediate assistance to the mother to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery. This approach helps initiate bonding and successful breastfeeding. Taking action promptly can address the mother's desire to breastfeed and promote positive outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.

5. When teaching a gravid client how to perform kick (fetal movement) counts, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. If 10 kicks are not felt within one hour, drink orange juice and count for another hour.
• B. Count the movements once daily, for one hour, before breakfast.
• C. Avoid caffeinated drinks for 24 hours before conducting the kick test.
• D. Exercise for 15 minutes before starting the counting to help increase fetal movement.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When teaching a gravid client about kick (fetal movement) counts, the nurse should instruct them that if 10 kicks are not felt within one hour, they should drink orange juice and continue counting for another hour. This instruction is crucial as a drop in fetal movements could indicate potential issues with fetal well-being, and taking action such as rechecking after food intake is recommended to monitor the situation closely.

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