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 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.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is postpartum and has a prescription for ibuprofen for perineal pain. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Take the medication only at bedtime.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Take the medication with caffeine.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take the medication with food.' Ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal upset, so it is essential for the client to take the medication with food to minimize this side effect. Choice A, 'Take the medication on an empty stomach,' is incorrect because ibuprofen should be taken with food to prevent stomach irritation. Choice B, 'Take the medication only at bedtime,' is incorrect as there is no specific timing requirement for ibuprofen administration related to bedtime. Choice D, 'Take the medication with caffeine,' is incorrect as there is no benefit in combining ibuprofen with caffeine, and caffeine could potentially worsen gastrointestinal side effects.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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