Nursing Elites

1. A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. Which finding indicates that preterm labor is occurring?

• A. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva.
• B. Irregular, mild uterine contractions occur every 12 to 15 minutes.
• C. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretions.
• D. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cervical changes such as effacement and dilation to 2 cm are strong indicators of imminent preterm labor. These changes, combined with regular contractions, can signify labor at any gestation. Estriol can be detected in maternal plasma as early as 9 weeks of gestation. Levels of salivary estriol have been linked to preterm birth. Irregular, mild contractions occurring every 12 to 15 minutes without cervical change are generally not concerning. While the presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation may predict preterm labor, its predictive value is limited (20%-40%). Therefore, cervical changes provide more reliable information regarding the risk of preterm labor.

2. Most victims of _____ die of respiratory infections in their 20s.

• A. Tay-Sachs disease
• B. cystic fibrosis
• C. Turner syndrome
• D. Klinefelter syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Individuals with cystic fibrosis have a genetic disorder that causes mucus to be thick and sticky, leading to blockages in the lungs and digestive system. This mucus buildup makes them more susceptible to severe respiratory infections, which can ultimately result in premature death in their 20s. Tay-Sachs disease (Choice A) is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, not typically causing respiratory infections. Turner syndrome (Choice C) and Klinefelter syndrome (Choice D) are chromosomal disorders that do not directly lead to the respiratory issues observed in cystic fibrosis.

3. A newborn's head circumference is 12 inches (30.5 cm) and his chest measurement is 13 inches (33 cm). The nurse notes that this infant has no molding, and it was a breech presentation delivered by cesarean section. What action should the nurse take based on this data?

• A. No action needs to be taken, it is normal for an infant born by cesarean section to have a small head circumference.
• B. Notify the pediatrician immediately. These signs support the possibility of hydrocephalus.
• C. Call these findings to the attention of the pediatrician. The head/chest ratio is abnormal.
• D. Record the findings on the chart. They are within normal limits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Head and chest circumference measurements are within normal limits for a newborn, especially for those delivered by cesarean section, so no immediate action is required beyond documentation.

4. What is the purpose of amniocentesis?

• A. To induce abortion
• B. To detect genetic abnormalities in the fetus
• C. To determine the baby's gender
• D. To monitor fetal growth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure used to detect genetic abnormalities in the fetus, such as chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome. It is not performed to induce abortion. The primary purpose of amniocentesis is to assess the genetic health of the fetus, not to determine the baby's gender (Choice C). While amniocentesis can provide information about the baby's health and development, it is not primarily used for monitoring fetal growth (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is B.

5. What is the process in which the double helix of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) duplicates?

• A. Amniocentesis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Mutation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer because it is the process of cell division in which a cell duplicates its DNA and divides into two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the DNA is replicated, and each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. Amniocentesis is a medical procedure to collect amniotic fluid for prenatal genetic testing and is not related to DNA duplication. Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes with half the genetic material of the parent cell, leading to genetic diversity. Mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variations but is not the process of DNA duplication.

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