Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor. The client reports the urge to have a bowel movement and begins to bear down during contractions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Instruct the client to perform rapid, shallow breathing
• B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth
• C. Have the client perform pelvic tilts during contractions
• D. Apply counterpressure to the client's sacrum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to perform rapid, shallow breathing. The urge to bear down during contractions indicates the second stage of labor, and pushing prematurely can lead to complications. Rapid, shallow breathing helps prevent pushing until the cervix is fully dilated. Choice B is incorrect because preparing for an emergency cesarean birth is not indicated based on the information provided. Choice C is incorrect as pelvic tilts are not appropriate when the client is already bearing down. Choice D is incorrect since applying counterpressure to the sacrum is not the priority when the client is showing signs of advancing labor.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer terbutaline to a client who is experiencing preterm labor. Which of the following statements by the client is an indication that the medication is effective?

• A. I feel like my contractions are getting stronger.
• B. I feel like my heart is racing.
• C. My baby is moving less than before.
• D. My contractions have stopped.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication used to stop uterine contractions. The client stating that the contractions have stopped indicates that the medication is effective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because feeling stronger contractions, a racing heart, or decreased fetal movement are not signs of terbutaline effectiveness in managing preterm labor.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is postpartum and had a cesarean birth. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. You should avoid lifting anything heavier than your newborn
• B. You should not lift anything heavier than your newborn
• C. You should wait 1 week before driving
• D. You can resume sexual activity in 2 weeks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client who is postpartum and had a cesarean birth is to not lift anything heavier than her newborn. This precaution is crucial to prevent injury to the healing incision site and allow for proper recovery. Choice A is incorrect as it implies resuming abdominal exercises in 2 weeks, which may strain the incision area. Choice C is incorrect because the client should wait longer than 1 week before driving to ensure they can perform emergency maneuvers if needed. Choice D is incorrect as resuming sexual activity in 2 weeks may put strain on the healing tissues and increase the risk of complications.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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