Nursing Elites

1. During the third trimester of pregnancy, which of the following findings should a nurse recognize as an expected physiologic change?

• A. Gradual lordosis
• B. Increased abdominal muscle tone
• C. Posterior neck flexion
• D. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During pregnancy, gradual lordosis is a common adaptation to the growing fetus. Lordosis refers to an increased lumbar curve in the spine, which helps to shift the center of gravity forward, supporting the enlarging uterus. This change is necessary to maintain balance and reduce strain on the back muscles as the pregnancy progresses. Increased abdominal muscle tone, posterior neck flexion, and decreased mobility of pelvic joints are not typical physiological changes during pregnancy. Increased abdominal muscle tone is not expected as the abdominal muscles tend to stretch and separate to accommodate the growing fetus. Posterior neck flexion is not a common finding and decreased mobility of pelvic joints is not an expected change and can cause discomfort.

2. During a teaching session with a client in labor, a nurse is explaining episiotomy. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. An episiotomy is a perineal incision made by the provider to facilitate delivery of the fetus
• B. A fourth-degree episiotomy extends into the rectal area and is not recommended
• C. An episiotomy is an incision made by the provider to facilitate delivery of the fetus
• D. A mediolateral episiotomy is preferred over a median episiotomy for most deliveries

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because an episiotomy is an intentional incision made by the healthcare provider to widen the vaginal opening during delivery. This procedure is performed to facilitate the birth of the baby and prevent uncontrolled tearing of the perineum. It is important for the nurse to educate the client on the purpose and implications of episiotomy to ensure informed decision-making and proper postpartum care. Choice A is incorrect because an episiotomy is not a perineal tear but a deliberate incision. Choice B is incorrect because a fourth-degree episiotomy extending into the rectal area is not a standard practice and can lead to complications. Choice D is incorrect because a mediolateral episiotomy is not universally considered easier to repair than a median episiotomy; the choice of incision type depends on the healthcare provider's preference and clinical situation.

3. A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a client who is having a difficult, prolonged labor with severe backache. Which of the following contributing causes should the nurse identify?

• A. Fetal attitude is in general flexion.
• B. Fetal lie is longitudinal.
• C. Maternal pelvis is gynecoid.
• D. Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In a persistent occiput posterior position, the baby's head presses against the mother's spine, causing prolonged labor and severe backache. This position can lead to difficulties in labor progress and increase discomfort for the mother. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the client's difficult, prolonged labor with severe backache. Fetal attitude, fetal lie, and maternal pelvis type may affect labor, but in this scenario, the persistent occiput posterior fetal position is the primary contributing cause for the client's symptoms.

4. A client who is at 40 weeks gestation and in active labor has 6 cm of cervical dilation and 100% cervical effacement. The client's blood pressure reading is 82/52 mm Hg. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse perform?

• A. Prepare for a cesarean birth.
• B. Assist the client to an upright position.
• C. Prepare for an immediate vaginal delivery.
• D. Assist the client to turn onto her side.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Turning the client onto her side is the appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario. This position can help improve blood pressure by enhancing venous return, which may aid in increasing perfusion to vital organs. It can also alleviate pressure on the inferior vena cava, promoting better circulation and supporting blood pressure stabilization during labor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A cesarean birth is not indicated based on the information provided. Assisting the client to an upright position may worsen her blood pressure due to decreased venous return. Lastly, there is no indication for an immediate vaginal delivery solely based on the client's blood pressure reading.

5. A nurse at an antepartum clinic is caring for a client who is at 4 months of gestation. The client reports continued nausea, vomiting, and scant, prune-colored discharge. The client has experienced no weight loss and has a fundal height larger than expected. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

• A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
• B. Threatened abortion
• C. Hydatidiform mole
• D. Preterm labor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the symptoms of continued nausea, vomiting, scant prune-colored discharge, and a fundal height larger than expected at 4 months of gestation suggest a possible hydatidiform mole. Hyperemesis gravidarum (choice A) typically presents with severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. Threatened abortion (choice B) is characterized by vaginal bleeding with or without cramping but does not typically present with prune-colored discharge. Preterm labor (choice D) manifests with regular uterine contractions leading to cervical changes and can occur later in pregnancy.

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