Nursing Elites

1. During a prenatal visit, the nurse discusses with a client the effects of smoking on the fetus. When compared with nonsmokers, mothers who smoke during pregnancy tend to produce infants who have

• A. lower Apgar scores.
• B. lower birth weights.
• C. respiratory distress.
• D. a higher rate of congenital anomalies.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with intrauterine growth restriction, leading to lower birth weights. This occurs due to the harmful effects of smoking on fetal development, which can result in reduced nutrient and oxygen supply to the fetus, impacting its overall growth and leading to lower birth weights. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as smoking during pregnancy primarily affects fetal growth and development, leading to lower birth weights rather than lower Apgar scores, respiratory distress, or a higher rate of congenital anomalies.

2. A 16-year-old gravida 1, para 0 client has just been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of eclampsia. She is not presently convulsing. Which intervention should the nurse plan to include in the client's nursing care plan?

• A. Assess temperature every hour.
• B. Allow liberal family visitation.
• C. Monitor blood pressure, pulse, and respirations every 4 hours.
• D. Keep an airway at the bedside.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the case of eclampsia, the priority intervention is to keep an airway at the bedside. Eclampsia is associated with a high risk of convulsions, and having an airway readily available is crucial for prompt intervention in the event of seizures. Assessing temperature, allowing family visitation, and monitoring vital signs are important aspects of care but ensuring airway patency takes precedence in this situation to manage potential complications and ensure the client's safety.

3. A client addicted to heroin and newly pregnant asks a nurse about ensuring her baby's health while on methadone. What should the nurse advise?

• A. Sign up for group therapy sessions.
• B. Discontinue the methadone right away.
• C. Start prenatal care as soon as possible.
• D. Describe genetic testing protocol.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Initiating prenatal care promptly is essential for monitoring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, particularly in high-risk pregnancies involving substance use. Early prenatal care allows for timely interventions, education, and support to promote a healthier pregnancy and birth outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because while group therapy may be beneficial, initiating prenatal care is more crucial at this stage. Choice B is incorrect as abrupt discontinuation of methadone can be harmful and should be managed under medical supervision. Choice D is incorrect as genetic testing is not the immediate priority in this scenario.

4. What action should the nurse take if an infant, who was born yesterday weighing 7.5 lbs (3,402 grams), weighs 7 lbs (3,175 grams) today?

• A. Inform and assure the mother that this is normal weight loss.
• B. Encourage the mother to increase the frequency of breastfeeding.
• C. After verifying the accuracy of weight, notify the healthcare provider.
• D. Monitor the stool and urine output of the neonate for the last 24 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to inform and assure the mother that this weight loss is normal. Newborns can lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days after birth, which is attributed to fluid loss and adjustment to life outside the womb. This weight loss is typically regained within the first two weeks of life. It is crucial for the nurse to educate and provide reassurance to the mother about this common occurrence in newborns.

5. A multiparous client is involuntarily pushing while being wheeled into the labor triage area. The nurse observes the fetal head presenting at the perineum. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Support the infant as it emerges.
• B. Review prenatal laboratory results.
• C. Obtain fetal heart tones.
• D. Apply suprapubic pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the fetal head is visible at the perineum, the priority is to support the infant's birth to prevent injury. Providing support as the infant emerges helps ensure a safe delivery process and reduces the risk of complications associated with rapid or uncontrolled birth.

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