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 providing prenatal education to a client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. You should expect to feel your baby move at 12 weeks.
• B. You will need to increase your calcium intake during pregnancy.
• C. You should avoid exercise during the second trimester.
• D. You will need to limit your intake of folic acid during pregnancy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Calcium intake is crucial during pregnancy to support fetal bone development. The nurse should educate the client to increase their calcium intake. Choice A is incorrect because fetal movements are usually felt around 18-25 weeks, not at 12 weeks. Choice C is incorrect as exercise is generally encouraged during pregnancy, including the second trimester, as long as it is not high-impact or risky. Choice D is incorrect as folic acid intake is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, and pregnant individuals are usually advised to increase their folic acid intake.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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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