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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Nausea can be a common side effect of many medications and does not necessarily indicate toxicity. While it can be uncomfortable for the patient, nausea alone, without other symptoms, is not typically a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity.
Choice B reason:
Drowsiness is another side effect that can occur with various medications and medical conditions. It may be a symptom of magnesium sulfate toxicity, especially if it is severe or combined with other symptoms, but on its own, it is not a definitive indicator of toxicity.
Choice C reason:
Facial flushing can be a reaction to medication, including magnesium sulfate, and may occur even at therapeutic levels. It is not usually a sign of toxicity unless accompanied by more serious symptoms.
Choice D reason:
Respiratory depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. It is characterized by a decrease in the ability to breathe and a drop in oxygen levels. This is a critical finding that requires immediate medical attention and intervention.

A. Methylergonovine 0.2 mg IM now. B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. C. Obtain laboratory study of prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time. D. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 5 L/min.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Methylergonovine is a medication used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage by contracting the uterus. However, it is contraindicated in patients with hypertension, as it can further increase blood pressure. Given that the client's blood pressure is already elevated at 146/94 mm Hg, administering methylergonovine could pose a risk. Therefore, this prescription requires clarification from the provider before administration.

Choice b reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can be a standard procedure after vaginal birth if the client is unable to void or if accurate measurement of urine output is needed. This does not require clarification unless there are specific contraindications or the client's condition does not warrant it.

Choice c reason:
Obtaining a laboratory study of prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time is a common practice to assess the blood's clotting ability, especially if there is a concern for bleeding disorders or if the client is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. This prescription is clear and does not require further clarification.

Choice d reason:
Administering oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 5 L/min may be indicated if the client is showing signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia. The client's current respiratory rate is within normal limits, but if there are concerns about oxygenation, this intervention would be appropriate.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who received magnesium sulfate to treat preterm labor. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse identify as an indication of toxicity from magnesium sulfate therapy and report to the provider?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hour postpartum and observes a large amount of lochia rubra and several small clots on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the level of the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse in a clinic is assessing a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postpartum following a vaginal birth. Which of the following findings indicates the client's bladder is distended?

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a vaginal delivery 12 hours ago. When palpating the client's abdomen, at which of the following positions should the nurse expect to find the uterine fundus?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is teaching a client who is in her second trimester and has a new diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is completing a health history for a client who is at 6 weeks of gestation. The client informs the nurse that she smokes one pack of cigarettes per day. The nurse should advise the client that smoking places the client's newborn at risk for which of the following complications?

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 23 weeks of gestation about immunizations. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to identify as consistent with the diagnosis?