Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is in the first stage of labor and has an external fetal monitor in place. The nurse observes early decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Continue to monitor the fetal heart rate
• B. Reposition the client
• C. Administer oxygen via face mask
• D. Increase the rate of the IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Early decelerations are a benign finding that typically indicate fetal head compression, a normal response to uterine contractions. They do not require intervention as they are not associated with fetal compromise. The appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to continue to monitor the fetal heart rate. Repositioning the client, administering oxygen, or increasing IV fluids are not indicated responses to early decelerations and could be unnecessary or potentially harmful.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 35 weeks of gestation and has suspected placenta previa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Painless vaginal bleeding
• B. Severe abdominal pain
• C. Uterine contractions
• D. Increased fetal movement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding as the placenta is located over or near the cervical opening. This bleeding occurs because the placental vessels are stretched and bleed easily. Severe abdominal pain (choice B) is not a typical finding in placenta previa. Uterine contractions (choice C) are more characteristic of preterm labor rather than placenta previa. Increased fetal movement (choice D) is not a specific finding associated with placenta previa.

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 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.

5. 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.

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