A 34-week gestation multigravida comes to the clinic for her bimonthly appointment.
Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider (HCP)?
Weight gain of 2 pounds (0.91 kg).
1+ edema on her lower extremities.
Fundal height of 30 cm.
Fetal heart rate of 110 beats/minute.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A weight gain of 2 pounds (0.91 kg) in a 34-week gestation multigravida is generally considered normal. During the third trimester, it is typical for a pregnant woman to gain around 0.5 to 1 pound per week. This weight gain helps support the growing fetus and prepare the mother's body for labor and breastfeeding. However, sudden or excessive weight gain could indicate fluid retention or preeclampsia, but a 2-pound gain alone is not necessarily a concern.
Choice B rationale
1+ edema on the lower extremities is a common finding during pregnancy, especially in the later stages. It is usually due to increased blood volume and pressure on the pelvic veins from the growing uterus, which can slow the return of blood from the legs. While some degree of edema is normal, particularly in the ankles and feet, it is important to monitor for sudden or severe swelling, which could be a sign of preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
A fundal height of 30 cm at 34 weeks gestation is concerning because it is less than the expected measurement. Fundal height typically corresponds to gestational age in centimeters (±2 cm). Therefore, at 34 weeks, the expected fundal height would be between 32 and 36 cm. A smaller fundal height could indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), oligohydramnios, or other fetal development issues, which require further evaluation by the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 110 beats per minute (bpm) is within the normal range for a fetus. The normal FHR typically ranges from 110 to 160 bpm. Although 110 bpm is on the lower end of the normal range, it is still considered acceptable. Significant deviations from the normal range, either too low (bradycardia) or too high (tachycardia), could indicate fetal distress and require immediate attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Benzocaine otic drops are used for pain relief and do not address the root cause of infections. Regular use without medical advice can lead to masking of symptoms and possibly delay appropriate treatment. The focus should be on preventing infections through other methods like vaccinations and avoiding irritants.
Choice B rationale
Scheduling a visit for the pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate as it can help protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of otitis media. Vaccinations are a preventive measure to reduce the frequency and severity of infections in infants and children.
Choice C rationale
Giving the infant the full course of antibiotics is crucial in treating and preventing recurrent infections. Incomplete antibiotic courses can lead to bacterial resistance and recurrence of infections. Caregivers must be educated on the importance of adhering to the prescribed treatment plan.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding smoking inside the house is essential as secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for otitis media. Smoke can irritate the respiratory system and Eustachian tubes, making infants more susceptible to infections. Caregivers should be advised to maintain a smoke-free environment to protect the child's health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An audible murmur in a neonate with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common finding and does not typically require immediate intervention. While it indicates a cardiac anomaly, it is not an emergency.
Choice B rationale
Fatigue after feedings in a neonate with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a sign of increased cardiac workload, but it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. It requires monitoring but not urgent intervention.
Choice C rationale
Elevated blood pressure in the upper extremity in a neonate with coarctation of the aorta is a concerning finding that indicates a narrowing of the aorta. While it requires prompt evaluation and management, it may not be as immediately critical as a hypercyanotic spell.
Choice D rationale
A neonate with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) experiencing hypercyanotic (Tet) spells and crying indicates a severe decrease in oxygenation and is an emergency. This condition requires immediate intervention to improve oxygenation and prevent complications such as brain damage or death. .
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