Nursing Elites

1. A client who underwent an amniotomy is now in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement with this client?

• A. Maintain the client in the lithotomy position.
• B. Perform vaginal examinations frequently.
• C. Remind the client to bear down with each contraction.
• D. Encourage the client to empty her bladder every 2 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to empty her bladder every 2 hours is essential during labor to prevent bladder distention, which can hinder labor progress and cause discomfort. A distended bladder can also lead to potential complications such as uterine atony or increased risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect as maintaining the client in the lithotomy position is not necessary during the active phase of the first stage of labor and may not be comfortable for the client. Choice B is incorrect because performing vaginal examinations frequently can increase the risk of introducing infection and disrupt the natural progress of labor. Choice C is incorrect as bearing down with each contraction is typically reserved for the second stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated, not during the active phase of the first stage.

2. While observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client at 40 weeks of gestation in labor, a nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when she observes which of the following patterns?

• A. Early decelerations
• B. Accelerations
• C. Late decelerations
• D. Variable decelerations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Variable decelerations can indicate umbilical cord compression, which is a concern that may arise due to the umbilical cord being compressed during labor. This compression can lead to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, necessitating close monitoring and potentially interventions to alleviate the pressure on the cord. Early decelerations are typically benign and mirror the contractions, indicating fetal head compression. Accelerations are reassuring patterns that show a healthy response to fetal movement. Late decelerations are concerning as they suggest uteroplacental insufficiency, indicating potential oxygen deprivation to the fetus.

3. A healthcare professional in the emergency department is caring for a client who presents with severe abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant. The provider suspects a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following signs indicates to the healthcare professional that the client has blood in the peritoneum?

• A. Chvostek's sign
• B. Cullen's sign
• C. Chadwick's sign
• D. Goodell's sign

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cullen's sign, which presents as bruising around the umbilicus, indicates the presence of blood in the peritoneum. This sign is significant in cases of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy as it suggests intraperitoneal bleeding, prompting immediate medical attention. Chvostek's sign is related to facial muscle spasm and is not indicative of peritoneal bleeding. Chadwick's sign refers to a bluish discoloration of the cervix and vagina during pregnancy, not related to peritoneal bleeding. Goodell's sign is a softening of the cervix, which is a sign of pregnancy, and not specific to peritoneal bleeding.

4. 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.

5. A healthcare provider in a clinic is reinforcing teaching with a client of childbearing age about recommended folic acid supplements. Which of the following defects can occur in the fetus or neonate as a result of folic acid deficiency?

• A. Iron deficiency anemia
• B. Poor bone formation
• C. Macrosomic fetus
• D. Neural tube defects

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Neural tube defects. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects in the fetus, affecting the brain, spine, or spinal cord development. Iron deficiency anemia (choice A) is not directly related to folic acid deficiency. Poor bone formation (choice B) is more associated with calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Macrosomic fetus (choice C) refers to a baby with excessive birth weight and is not a typical outcome of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals of childbearing age to take recommended folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects.

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