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 client at 37 weeks of gestation is scheduled for a nonstress test. What information should the nurse include?

• A. You will be given oxytocin during the test.
• B. You will need to fast for 12 hours before the test.
• C. You will need to drink orange juice before the test.
• D. You will need to have a full bladder during the test.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Drinking orange juice before the nonstress test can increase fetal movement, which is essential for an accurate reading. Choice A is incorrect because oxytocin is not typically administered during a nonstress test. Choice B is incorrect as fasting is not required before this test. Choice D is incorrect as a full bladder is not necessary for a nonstress test.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
• B. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
• C. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
• D. Client reports feeling warm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10/min is significantly low and indicates potential magnesium toxicity, which can lead to respiratory depression. This finding should be reported to the provider immediately for further evaluation and management. Urine output of 30 mL/hr is within the expected range during magnesium sulfate therapy and does not require immediate reporting. Deep tendon reflexes 2+ are a normal finding and do not indicate any immediate concerns. The client reporting feeling warm is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate and does not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other symptoms.

4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is postpartum and has an episiotomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
• B. Apply a cold pack to the perineal area for the first 24 hours.
• C. Use a sitz bath once per week.
• D. Begin Kegel exercises after the first week.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is to apply a cold pack to the perineal area for the first 24 hours. This helps reduce swelling and promote comfort, aiding in the healing process after an episiotomy. Option A is incorrect as it does not provide specific guidance on managing postpartum recovery. Option C is incorrect because using a sitz bath once per week may not be frequent enough for proper wound care. Option D is incorrect because beginning Kegel exercises immediately after delivery can put excessive strain on the perineal area, potentially hindering healing.

5. 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.

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