Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who experienced fetal demise at 32 weeks' gestation. After the fetus is delivered vaginally, the nurse implements fetal demise protocol and identification procedures. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Create a memory box with the baby's footprint and photographs.
• B. Determine if the mother desires a visit from her clergy.
• C. Encourage the mother to hold and spend time with her baby.
• D. Explain the reasons for obtaining consent for an infant autopsy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the mother to hold and spend time with her baby is crucial after a fetal demise at 32 weeks' gestation. This action can support the mother in the grieving process, facilitate bonding, and provide closure, helping her cope with the loss of the baby. Creating a memory box with the baby's footprint and photographs could be emotionally comforting but not as immediate and impactful as encouraging direct physical contact. While offering a visit from her clergy may provide spiritual support, the immediate need is to address the physical and emotional aspects of the situation. Explaining the reasons for obtaining consent for an infant autopsy is important, but it is secondary to the immediate emotional support needed by the mother.

2. At 40-weeks gestation, a client presents to the obstetrical floor with spontaneous rupture of amniotic membranes at home, in active labor, and feeling the urge to push. What information should the nurse prioritize obtaining?

• A. Color and consistency of fluid.
• B. Estimated amount of fluid.
• C. Any odor noted at the rupture of membranes.
• D. Time of membrane rupture.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing the color and consistency of amniotic fluid is crucial as it can indicate the presence of meconium, which suggests potential fetal distress. This information guides the need for further assessments and interventions to ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus. Estimating the amount of fluid is not as critical as determining the color and consistency to identify fetal distress. While noting any odor is important, it is secondary to assessing the fluid itself. Knowing the time of membrane rupture is helpful but not as crucial as evaluating the characteristics of the amniotic fluid.

3. A young girl with a fractured radius has a cast applied. As the cast is drying, it is elevated above the level of her heart. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider be reported to immediately?

• A. Itching sensation under the cast.
• B. Swelling of fingers with brisk capillary refill.
• C. Numbness and inability to move fingers.
• D. Visible bruising above the cast.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Numbness and inability to move fingers are concerning findings that suggest potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome due to increased pressure within the cast. This requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider to prevent further complications or permanent damage.

4. Upon arrival in the nursery, a newborn infant is breathing satisfactorily but appears dusky. What action should the LPN/LVN take first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• B. Suction the infant's nares, then the oral cavity.
• C. Check the infant's oxygen saturation rate.
• D. Position the infant on the right side.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action in this scenario is to check the infant's oxygen saturation rate. This will provide crucial information on the infant's oxygen levels and the need for immediate oxygen therapy. Assessing oxygen saturation is essential in determining the severity of hypoxia and guiding further interventions to ensure adequate oxygenation. Option A is not the priority as immediate intervention related to oxygenation is needed before notifying the healthcare provider. Suctioning (Option B) may be necessary but should come after assessing oxygen saturation. Positioning the infant (Option D) does not address the immediate need to evaluate oxygen levels.

5. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a laboring client whose blood pressure has increased from 110/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg. Which action is the highest priority?

• A. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting.
• B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available.
• C. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours.
• D. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Having calcium gluconate readily available is crucial when administering magnesium sulfate, as it serves as the antidote in case of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can lead to respiratory depression and cardiac arrest in cases of overdose or toxicity, making the prompt availability of calcium gluconate essential for immediate administration to counteract these effects. Providing a quiet environment with subdued lighting may be beneficial for the client's comfort but is not the highest priority in this situation. Assessing deep tendon reflexes every 4 hours is important when administering magnesium sulfate, but it is not the highest priority compared to having calcium gluconate available. Inserting a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output is not the highest priority when preparing to administer magnesium sulfate in this scenario.

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