A nurse in a hospital is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The client is placed on a fetal monitor indicating a regular fetal heart rate of 138/min and no uterine contractions. The client's vital signs are: blood pressure 98/52 mm Hg, heart rate 118/min, respiratory rate 24/min, and temperature 36.4°C (97.6°F). Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

Initiate IV access.

Witness the signature for informed consent for surgery.

Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

Prepare the abdominal and perineal areas.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:
In the case of a client with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation, the priority is to stabilize the client's condition. Initiating IV access is crucial as it allows for rapid administration of fluids or blood products to address potential hypovolemia and to prepare for the possibility of an emergency cesarean section if needed. The client's low blood pressure and elevated heart rate suggest that she may be experiencing hypovolemia, which can quickly lead to hypovolemic shock if not treated promptly.

Choice B reason:
While obtaining informed consent is important before any surgical procedure, it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to stabilize the client, and consent can be obtained concurrently with other stabilizing actions or by another member of the healthcare team.

Choice C reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is a supportive measure that can be necessary during labor or before surgery to keep the bladder empty, reducing the risk of bladder injury during a cesarean section and monitoring urine output as an indicator of renal perfusion. However, it is not the first priority in the presence of significant vaginal bleeding.

Choice D reason:
Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas is part of the preoperative procedure for a cesarean section. This action would follow after the client has been stabilized and a decision for surgery has been made.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Peanut butter should be eliminated from the diet of a pregnant client with PKU. It is a high-protein food that contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly¹. The accumulation of phenylalanine can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and the developing fetus, including the risk of intellectual disability in the child.

Choice B Reason:
Potatoes are generally safe for individuals with PKU to consume. They are not high in protein and thus do not contain large amounts of phenylalanine. However, portion sizes and overall dietary balance should be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure proper nutrition.

Choice C Reason:
Apple juice is also safe for individuals with PKU. It does not contain protein and therefore is not a significant source of phenylalanine. It can be included in the diet as part of the fluid intake.

Choice D Reason:
Broccoli is a low-protein vegetable and is typically allowed in the diets of individuals with PKU. It contains some phenylalanine, but in much lower amounts compared to high-protein foods. As with all foods, it should be consumed in moderation according to dietary guidelines provided by a healthcare professional.

A. "I should wait to begin fluoride supplements until my baby is 4 months of age." B. "I should introduce cow's milk when my baby is 9 months old." C. "I should wait to give fruit juice until my baby is 6 months of age." D. "I should start solid foods when my baby is 3 months old."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Introducing fluoride supplements to a newborn is not typically recommended until the age of 6 months, unless advised by a healthcare provider due to specific water supply conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that fluoride supplementation should begin at 6 months if the water supply is deficient in fluoride.

Choice B reason:
Cow's milk is not recommended for infants under the age of 1 year. Introducing cow's milk before this age can lead to iron deficiency and potentially cause harm to the infant's developing kidneys. It also lacks the proper nutrients that infants require, which are found in breast milk or formula.

Choice C reason:
The AAP recommends that fruit juice should not be introduced to infants before 6 months of age. Before this age, babies should only be fed breast milk or formula. Introducing fruit juice too early can contribute to excessive weight gain and tooth decay.

Choice D reason:
The introduction of solid foods is recommended to start at around 6 months of age. Starting solid foods at 3 months is too early and can increase the risk of choking and may lead to the development of food allergies.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is pregnant and has phenylketonuria (PKU). Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to eliminate from her diet?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching about nutrition guidelines to a parent of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about reducing perineal infection with a client following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is preparing to administer methylergonovine IM to a client who has experienced a vaginal delivery. The nurse should explain to the client that the purpose of this medication is to prevent which of the following conditions?

A nurse is admitting a client who has severe preeclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation and is reviewing the provider's orders. Which of the following orders requires clarification?

A nurse is instructing a female client on how to check her basal body temperature to determine if she is ovulating. The nurse should instruct the client to check her temperature at which of the following times?

A nurse in a family planning clinic is caring for a 17-year-old female client who is requesting oral contraceptives. The client states that she is nervous because she has never had a pelvic examination. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

"How will I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?"

A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K by IM injection to a newborn. The nurse should administer the medication into which of the following muscles?

A nurse is caring for a client during the first trimester of pregnancy. After reviewing the client's blood work, the nurse notices she does not have immunity to rubella. Which of the following times should the nurse understand is recommended for rubella immunization?