Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is caring for a newborn who has neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Swaddle the newborn tightly
• B. Provide frequent tactile stimulation
• C. Position the newborn in a prone position
• D. Offer large feedings every 4 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome is to swaddle the newborn tightly. Swaddling helps to provide comfort and reduce irritability in these newborns. Choice B, providing frequent tactile stimulation, may exacerbate the symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome by overstimulating the newborn. Choice C, positioning the newborn in a prone position, is not recommended as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Choice D, offering large feedings every 4 hours, is not appropriate as newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome may have feeding difficulties and need smaller, more frequent feedings.

4. A nurse is providing care to a client who is in active labor. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask
• B. Reposition the client from side to side
• C. Increase the rate of the IV infusion
• D. Notify the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when observing variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate is to reposition the client from side to side. Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression, and repositioning the client can relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen, increasing the IV infusion rate, and notifying the provider can be appropriate actions but repositioning the client takes priority in addressing variable decelerations.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is postpartum and has an episiotomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
• B. Apply a cold pack to the perineal area for the first 24 hours.
• C. Use a sitz bath once per week.
• D. Begin Kegel exercises after the first week.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is to apply a cold pack to the perineal area for the first 24 hours. This helps reduce swelling and promote comfort, aiding in the healing process after an episiotomy. Option A is incorrect as it does not provide specific guidance on managing postpartum recovery. Option C is incorrect because using a sitz bath once per week may not be frequent enough for proper wound care. Option D is incorrect because beginning Kegel exercises immediately after delivery can put excessive strain on the perineal area, potentially hindering healing.

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