A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who comes to the emergency department reporting severe abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant.
The provider suspects a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following signs indicates to the nurse that the client has blood in the peritoneum?
Chadwick’s sign.
Chvostek’s sign.
Goodell’s sign.
Cullen’s sign.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Chadwick’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow. This sign is commonly seen in early pregnancy, but it does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice B rationale
Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability seen in hypocalcemia. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve. This sign is not related to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Goodell’s sign is a significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix from increased vascularization. This vascular softening is seen in early pregnancy. It does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice D rationale
Cullen’s sign is the appearance of bruising in the skin around the umbilicus. It occurs when there is blood in the peritoneum, or intra-abdominal bleeding. In the case of a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy, Cullen’s sign would indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that a newborn’s stools will transition in color, it typically takes a few days longer than one or two. Initially, the stools are a greenish-black color known as meconium. Over the next few days, as the baby begins digesting breast milk or formula, the stools will gradually transition to a yellow color.
Choice B rationale
This statement is correct. After childbirth, the breasts undergo a process known as engorgement when they start to produce milk. This can cause the breasts to become harder, warmer, and more tender. This is a normal part of the postpartum period and is a sign that the body is preparing to feed the baby.
Choice C rationale
While it’s true that abdominal discomfort generally decreases over time after childbirth, it’s important to note that the rate of decrease can vary greatly among individuals. Factors such as the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), individual pain tolerance, and the presence of any complications can all influence the rate of decrease in abdominal discomfort.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that many women do feel more energetic as their bodies recover from childbirth, this is not always the case. Factors such as sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn can all contribute to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Therefore, while some women may feel more energetic, others may continue to feel tired for several weeks or even months after giving birth.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preparing for an emergency cesarean birth may be necessary in some cases of preeclampsia, particularly if there are signs of fetal distress or if the condition is not responding to treatment. However, in this scenario, the client’s symptoms are indicative of magnesium toxicity, not worsening preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the client in Trendelenburg (with the head lower than the feet) is not typically used in the management of preeclampsia or magnesium toxicity.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the medication infusion is the correct action in this scenario. The client’s symptoms (respiratory rate of 10/min and absent deep-tendon reflexes) are indicative of magnesium toxicity, a potential complication of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium sulfate is used in the management of preeclampsia to prevent seizures, but it can cause toxicity if the levels become too high. If signs of toxicity occur, the infusion should be discontinued immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing maternal blood glucose may be necessary in some cases, particularly if the client has a history of diabetes. However, it is not the priority in this scenario, as the client’s symptoms are indicative of magnesium toxicity, not hyperglycemia.
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