Nursing Elites

1. During active labor, a nurse notes tachycardia on the external fetal monitor tracing. Which of the following conditions should the nurse identify as a potential cause of the heart rate?

• A. Maternal fever
• B. Fetal heart failure
• C. Maternal hypoglycemia
• D. Fetal head compression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Maternal fever can lead to fetal tachycardia due to the transmission of maternal fever to the fetus. This can result in an increased fetal heart rate, making it the correct potential cause in this scenario. Fetal heart failure (choice B) would typically present with bradycardia rather than tachycardia, making it an incorrect choice. Maternal hypoglycemia (choice C) is more likely to cause fetal distress rather than tachycardia. Fetal head compression (choice D) may lead to decelerations in the fetal heart rate pattern, but not necessarily tachycardia.

2. A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment. The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than normal newborns.
• B. The added brown fat layer in a preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat.
• C. Preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms.
• D. The heat in the incubator rapidly dries the sweat of preterm newborns.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because preterm newborns have immature temperature regulation mechanisms, making it difficult for them to maintain their body temperature. An incubator helps maintain a stable thermal environment. Choice A is incorrect as the body surface area is not the primary reason for needing an incubator. Choice B is incorrect because brown fat in preterm newborns actually helps generate heat. Choice D is incorrect as the purpose of the incubator is not to dry sweat but to regulate the newborn's temperature.

3. A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. It's a minor inconvenience, which you should ignore.
• B. In most cases it only lasts until the 12th week, but it will continue if you have poor bladder tone.
• C. There is no way to predict how long it will last in each individual client.
• D. It occurs during the first trimester and near the end of the pregnancy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Urinary frequency is common during the first trimester and again at the end of pregnancy when the baby drops into the pelvis, putting pressure on the bladder.

4. A woman in a women's health clinic is receiving teaching about nutritional intake during her 8th week of gestation. The healthcare provider should advise the woman to increase her daily intake of which of the following nutrients?

• A. Calcium
• B. Vitamin E
• C. Iron
• D. Vitamin D

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During pregnancy, the recommended daily iron intake is higher compared to non-pregnant women. Pregnant women should aim for 27 mg/day of iron, while non-pregnant women require 15 mg/day if under 19 years old and 18 mg/day if between 19 and 50 years old. Iron is essential during pregnancy to support the increased blood volume and ensure the proper oxygen supply to the fetus. Calcium is important for bone health but does not need a significant increase during early pregnancy. Vitamin E and Vitamin D are important but do not have specific increases recommended during the 8th week of gestation.

5. A newborn was transferred to the nursery 30 min after delivery. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Confirm the newborn's identification.
• B. Verify the newborn's identification.
• C. Administer vitamin K to the newborn.
• D. Determine obstetrical risk factors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a newborn is transferred to the nursery, the first action the nurse should take is to verify the newborn's identification. This step is crucial for ensuring the correct care is provided to the right newborn, promoting patient safety and preventing errors. Administering vitamin K (Choice C) is important but should not be the first action. Determining obstetrical risk factors (Choice D) is not the priority when the newborn is transferred to the nursery. Confirming (Choice A) and verifying (Choice B) have similar meanings, but 'verify' is a more appropriate term in this context.

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