Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a woman in the first stage of labor, which clinical finding will alert the nurse that uterine contractions are effective?

• A. Dilation of the cervix.
• B. Descent of the fetus to –2 station.
• C. Rupture of the amniotic membranes.
• D. Increase in bloody show.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the first stage of labor, effective uterine contractions lead to cervical dilation. Dilation of the cervix is a key indicator that uterine contractions are progressing labor. Descent of the fetus to -2 station (Choice B) is related to the fetal position in the pelvis and not a direct indicator of uterine contraction effectiveness. Rupture of the amniotic membranes (Choice C) signifies the rupture of the fluid-filled sac surrounding the fetus and does not directly reflect uterine contraction effectiveness. An increase in bloody show (Choice D) can be a sign of impending labor, but it is not a direct indicator of uterine contraction effectiveness.

2. Does a blastocyst gain mass only when it receives nourishment from outside?

• A. TRUE
• B. FALSE
• C. Sometimes
• D. Always

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blastocyst does indeed require external nourishment from the mother's body to continue developing and gaining mass. Without this external nourishment, the blastocyst would not be able to grow and develop properly. Therefore, the statement that a blastocyst gains mass only when it receives nourishment from outside is true. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the dependency of a blastocyst on external nourishment for its development and growth.

3. Do neural tube defects cause an elevation in the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in the mother’s blood?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Possibly
• D. Never

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Yes, neural tube defects can cause an elevation in AFP levels in the mother’s blood. AFP levels are often used as a screening marker during pregnancy to detect neural tube defects. Choice B is incorrect because an elevation in AFP levels can indeed occur in the presence of neural tube defects. Choice C is not the best option as it leaves room for uncertainty when the relationship between neural tube defects and AFP elevation is well-established. Choice D is incorrect as neural tube defects are known to influence AFP levels in the maternal blood.

4. Which information regarding the care of antepartum women with cardiac conditions is most important for the nurse to understand?

• A. Stress on the heart is greatest in the first trimester and the last 2 weeks before labor.
• B. Women with class II cardiac disease should avoid heavy exertion and any activity that causes even minor symptoms.
• C. Women with class III cardiac disease should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every day and limit housework, shopping, and exercise.
• D. Women with class I cardiac disease need bed rest through most of the pregnancy and face the possibility of hospitalization near term.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Class II cardiac disease is symptomatic with ordinary activity. Women in this category need to avoid heavy exertion and limit regular activities as symptoms dictate. Stress is greatest between weeks 28 and 32 of gestation, when hemodynamic changes reach their maximum. Class III cardiac disease is symptomatic with less-than-ordinary activity. These women need bed rest most of the day and face the possibility of hospitalization near term. Class I cardiac disease is asymptomatic at normal levels of activity. These women can perform limited normal activities with discretion, although they still need a good amount of sleep.

5. What is the most critical action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth?

• A. Keeping the airway clear.
• B. Fostering parent-newborn attachment.
• C. Drying the newborn and wrapping the infant in a blanket.
• D. Administering eye drops and vitamin K.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth is keeping the airway clear. This is essential to ensure that the newborn can breathe effectively and prevent any respiratory distress. Fostering parent-newborn attachment, although important, is not the most critical action immediately after birth. Drying the newborn and wrapping the infant in a blanket is important for temperature regulation but is not as critical as maintaining a clear airway. Administering eye drops and vitamin K is typically done later and is not the most critical action immediately after birth.

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