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 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.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and breastfeeding. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to prevent mastitis?

• A. Feed the newborn on demand
• B. Apply warm compresses to the breast before feeding
• C. Massage the breast after feedings
• D. Ensure the newborn empties one breast before switching to the other

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To prevent mastitis, the nurse should instruct the client to ensure that the newborn empties one breast before switching to the other. This helps to prevent milk stasis, reducing the risk of inflammation and infection. Choice A is incorrect because feeding on demand is recommended to establish a good milk supply and prevent engorgement. Choice B is incorrect as warm compresses are usually applied before feeding to promote milk flow. Choice C is incorrect because massaging the breast after feedings can actually increase the risk of mastitis by causing further irritation.

5. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 1 day old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 160/min
• B. Axillary temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F)
• C. Yellow-tinged skin
• D. Respiratory rate 42/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Yellow-tinged skin. Yellow-tinged skin within the first 24 hours of life can indicate pathological jaundice and should be reported to the provider. High heart rate (Choice A), normal axillary temperature (Choice B), and slightly elevated respiratory rate (Choice D) are common findings in newborns and may not necessarily require immediate reporting unless they persist or are significantly abnormal.

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