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. A 17-year-old client gave birth 12 hours ago. She states that she doesn't know how to care for her baby. To promote parent-infant attachment behaviors, which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Ask if she has help to care for the baby at home
• B. Provide a video on newborn safety and care
• C. Explore the basis of fears with the client
• D. Encourage rooming in while in the hospital

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging rooming in while in the hospital is the most appropriate intervention to promote parent-infant attachment behaviors. Rooming in allows the mother to stay with her baby continuously, facilitating bonding and providing the opportunity for the mother to learn how to care for her baby with the nurse's support. Asking if she has help at home (Choice A) does not directly address promoting attachment behaviors. Providing a video on newborn safety and care (Choice B) may offer information but does not actively facilitate immediate bonding. Exploring the basis of fears (Choice C) is important but may not directly address promoting attachment behaviors as effectively as encouraging rooming in.

3. A client is receiving oxytocin by continuous IV infusion for labor induction. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Increase the infusion rate every 30 to 60 minutes.
• B. Maintain the client in a supine position.
• C. Titrate the infusion rate by 4 milliunits/min.
• D. Limit IV intake to 4 L per 24 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the infusion rate every 30 to 60 minutes. This approach allows for the careful monitoring and adjustment of oxytocin administration during labor induction. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining the client in a supine position can decrease blood flow to the placenta and compromise fetal oxygenation. Choice C is incorrect as titrating the infusion rate by 4 milliunits/min is not a standard practice for oxytocin administration. Choice D is incorrect as limiting IV intake to 4 L per 24 hours is not specifically related to the administration of oxytocin for labor induction.

4. A primigravida at 36 weeks gestation who is RH-negative experienced abdominal trauma in a motor vehicle collision. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Fetal heart rate at 162 beats per minute
• B. Mild contractions every 10 minutes
• C. Trace of protein in the urine
• D. Positive fetal hemoglobin testing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Positive fetal hemoglobin testing' (D). Positive fetal hemoglobin testing (Kleihauer-Betke test) indicates fetal-maternal hemorrhage, which is critical in an RH-negative mother due to the risk of isoimmunization. This condition can lead to sensitization of the mother's immune system against fetal blood cells, potentially causing hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies. Reporting this finding promptly is crucial for appropriate management and interventions. Choices A, B, and C are not as critical in this scenario. While monitoring fetal heart rate and contractions is important, the detection of fetal-maternal hemorrhage takes precedence due to the serious implications it poses for the current and future pregnancies of an RH-negative mother.

5. What information should the nurse include when teaching a client at 41 weeks of gestation about a non-stress test?

• A. This test will confirm fetal lung maturity.
• B. This test will determine the adequacy of placental perfusion.
• C. This test will detect fetal infection.
• D. This test will predict maternal readiness for labor.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'This test will determine the adequacy of placental perfusion.' The non-stress test is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate in response to its own movements. It helps determine if the fetus is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients through placental perfusion. Choice A is incorrect because confirming fetal lung maturity is typically determined through tests like amniocentesis, not the non-stress test. Choice C is incorrect because detecting fetal infection is not the primary purpose of a non-stress test. Choice D is incorrect because predicting maternal readiness for labor is not the purpose of the non-stress test; it focuses on fetal well-being.

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