A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has heavy, red vaginal bleeding without contractions, that started spontaneously. She is in no distress and states that she can "feel the baby moving.”. The client should undergo an ultrasound to determine which of the following findings?
Rh incompatibility.
Frequency and duration of contractions.
Fetal lung maturity.
Location of the placenta.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Rh incompatibility is not relevant in this scenario. Rh incompatibility refers to a condition where the mother's blood is Rh-negative, and the baby's blood is Rh-positive, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. However, this condition is unrelated to the client's current presentation of heavy, red vaginal bleeding without contractions.
Choice B rationale:
Frequency and duration of contractions are not the primary concern in this situation. The client's main complaint is heavy vaginal bleeding without contractions, which indicates a potential issue with the placenta or other pregnancy-related problems.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal lung maturity is not the priority at this stage. The client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. Fetal lung maturity is typically assessed if there's a need for early delivery, which is not indicated in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
The correct choice. The client is experiencing heavy, red vaginal bleeding, which may be a sign of placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely. Determining the location of the placenta through an ultrasound can help identify if placental abruption is the cause of bleeding. Placental abruption can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 100/min for a 10-minute period is considered within the normal range. The normal fetal heart rate can range from 110 to 160 beats per minute, and a rate of 100 is not concerning.
Choice B rationale:
The resting period of a contraction refers to the time between contractions when the uterus is relaxed. A resting period of 35 seconds is also considered normal. In labor, the resting period between contractions allows the placenta to receive oxygen and nutrients, and 35 seconds is a rationaleable duration.
Choice C rationale:
A contraction lasting 85 seconds is abnormal and should be reported to the provider. Normally, contractions last around 60-90 seconds, but an 85-second contraction may indicate uterine hyperactivity or other issues that could potentially affect the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Choice D rationale:
Having four contractions in a 10-minute period is considered normal during labor. In fact, an average pattern includes 3-5 contractions within a 10-minute window, so this finding is not a cause for concern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Visual disturbances should be reported to the provider because the client is experiencing headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness, which can be signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. Visual disturbances may indicate neurological involvement and can pose a risk to both the client and the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure should be reported to the provider due to the client's symptoms and medical history. The client's weight gain, swelling of feet and fingers, and 2+ pitting edema suggest fluid retention, which can be associated with preeclampsia. High blood pressure is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, and the nurse must monitor it closely to assess the severity of the condition and the potential risk to both the client and the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Respirations do not appear to be a significant concern based on the information provided. While respiratory status is important to monitor during pregnancy, there are no indications in the scenario to suggest respiratory distress or abnormalities that require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes are mentioned in the client's medical history but do not show any immediate signs of concern. Absent clonus and 3+ deep tendon reflexes are within the normal range and not typically alarming during pregnancy. However, the nurse should continue to monitor these reflexes during subsequent visits.
Choice E rationale:
Weight gain is mentioned in the medical history but is not currently a critical finding to report. A 6 lb weight gain over 2 weeks may be considered appropriate for a pregnant client at 32 weeks of gestation, but it should be assessed in conjunction with other symptoms for a comprehensive evaluation.
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