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 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.

3. A newborn delivered at 41 weeks of gestation is showing signs of postmaturity. Which of the following findings is an indication of fetal postmaturity?

• A. Soft, flexible ear cartilage
• B. Smooth soles without creases
• C. Thin with loose skin
• D. Vernix caseosa covering the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Thin with loose skin.' Postmature newborns are typically thin with loose skin due to prolonged gestation. This may result from placental insufficiency, leading to reduced subcutaneous fat stores. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Soft, flexible ear cartilage (choice A) is a normal finding in newborns. Smooth soles without creases (choice B) are also typical in newborns. Vernix caseosa covering the body (choice D) is a protective, waxy coating found on newborns, which may be present in postmature infants as well.

4. A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 2 days old and has a total serum bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Administer 1 oz of glucose water every 2 hours
• B. Feed the newborn 60 mL of formula every 4 hours
• C. Offer sterile water between feedings
• D. Initiate phototherapy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Initiate phototherapy. Phototherapy is the primary treatment for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia, as it helps to break down excess bilirubin in the skin. Administering glucose water (choice A) is not indicated for treating hyperbilirubinemia. Feeding the newborn formula (choice B) or offering sterile water (choice C) will not directly address the elevated bilirubin levels in the newborn.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which of the following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hyperreflexia
• C. Respiratory rate of 10/min
• D. Polyuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, leading to a decreased respiratory rate. A respiratory rate of 10/min is abnormally low and indicates magnesium toxicity. Tachycardia (Choice A) is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. Hyperreflexia (Choice B) is a common sign of magnesium toxicity. Polyuria (Choice D) is not a typical finding of magnesium toxicity.

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