Nursing Elites

1. During ambulation to the bathroom, a postpartum client experiences a gush of dark red blood that soon stops. On data collection, a nurse finds the uterus to be firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. Which of the following findings should the nurse interpret this data as being?

• A. Evidence of a possible vaginal hematoma
• B. An indication of a cervical or perineal laceration
• C. A normal postpartum discharge of lochia
• D. Abnormally excessive lochia rubra flow

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should interpret this data as a normal postpartum discharge of lochia. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth, and the gush of dark red blood upon ambulation is typical due to the pooling of blood in the vagina when lying down, which is then released upon standing. The firm, midline uterus at the level of the umbilicus indicates normal involution of the uterus postpartum. Therefore, this scenario is consistent with the expected postpartum physiological changes rather than complications like hematoma, lacerations, or abnormal excessive bleeding. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the described findings are more indicative of normal postpartum processes rather than complications such as vaginal hematoma, lacerations, or excessive bleeding.

2. When advising a woman considering pregnancy on nutritional needs to reduce the risk of giving birth to a newborn with a neural tube defect, what information should the nurse include?

• A. Limit alcohol consumption.
• B. Increase intake of iron-rich foods.
• C. Consume foods fortified with folic acid.
• D. Avoid foods containing aspartame.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Consume foods fortified with folic acid. Folic acid plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects. It is advised to consume foods fortified with folic acid or take a supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This nutrient is essential for the developing fetus and can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken before and during early pregnancy. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While limiting alcohol consumption is important during pregnancy, it is not directly related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Increasing intake of iron-rich foods is essential for preventing anemia but is not specifically linked to neural tube defects. Avoiding foods containing aspartame is generally recommended, but it is not directly related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.

3. A client who is at 8 weeks of gestation tells the nurse, 'I am not sure I am happy about being pregnant.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. I will inform the provider that you are having these feelings.
• B. It is normal to have these feelings during the first few months of pregnancy.
• C. You should be happy that you are going to bring new life into the world.
• D. I am going to make an appointment with the counselor for you to discuss these thoughts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the first few months of pregnancy, it is common for individuals to experience mixed feelings due to hormonal changes and the significant life adjustments that come with pregnancy. The nurse's response should acknowledge the client's feelings as normal and provide reassurance rather than dismissive or directive statements. By acknowledging the normalcy of these emotions, the nurse validates the client's experience and offers support during this critical time. Choices A, C, and D are less appropriate. Choice A focuses on informing the provider without addressing the client's emotions directly. Choice C disregards the client's current feelings and imposes a specific emotional response. Choice D jumps to scheduling a counseling appointment without first acknowledging the client's emotions or providing immediate support and validation.

4. A client has postpartum psychosis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Reinforce the importance of taking antipsychotics as prescribed
• B. Ask the client if they have thoughts of harming themselves or their infant
• C. Monitor the infant for signs of failure to thrive
• D. Check the client's medical record for a history of bipolar disorder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a client has postpartum psychosis, the priority action for the nurse is to ask the client if they have thoughts of harming themselves or their infant. This is crucial to assess the risk of harm and ensure the safety of the client and the infant. While reinforcing the importance of taking antipsychotics as prescribed is essential for treatment, safety concerns take precedence. Monitoring the infant for signs of failure to thrive is important for the infant's well-being but is not the priority when the immediate safety of the client and infant is at risk. Checking the client's medical record for a history of bipolar disorder is relevant for understanding the client's medical history but is not the priority when addressing current safety concerns.

5. During an assessment, a healthcare provider observes small pearly white nodules on the roof of a newborn's mouth. This finding is a characteristic of which of the following conditions?

• A. Mongolian spots
• B. Milia spots
• C. Erythema toxicum
• D. Epstein's pearls

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Epstein's pearls are small pearly white nodules commonly observed on the roof of a newborn's mouth. They are considered a normal finding and typically disappear without treatment. It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize these benign nodules to differentiate them from other conditions and provide appropriate education to parents. The other choices are incorrect: A) Mongolian spots are blue or purple birthmarks commonly found on the skin; B) Milia spots are tiny white bumps on a newborn's nose and face; C) Erythema toxicum presents as a rash of flat red splotches with small bumps that can appear on a baby's skin.

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