A nurse is admitting a client who is at 35 weeks of gestation and is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding due to placenta previa. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Initiate continuous monitoring of the FHR.
Administer a dose of betamethasone.
Check the cervix for dilation every 8 hours.
Request that the provider prescribe misoprostol PRN.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is A. Initiate continuous monitoring of the FHR. For a client with placenta previa, continuous fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is essential to assess the baby's well-being due to the risk of fetal distress from reduced oxygen supply
Choice A reason:
Continuous FHR monitoring is a standard care practice for clients with placenta previa to promptly detect any signs of fetal distress and intervene as necessary.
Choice B reason:
Betamethasone is typically administered to enhance fetal lung maturity before 34 weeks of gestation, not for placenta previa. Its use at 35 weeks is less common unless there's a risk of preterm birth within 7 days and the patient hasn't received a previous course.
Choice C reason:
Checking the cervix can induce bleeding and is contraindicated in placenta previa because it may disturb the placental site and exacerbate bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Misoprostol is used for labor induction or to treat postpartum hemorrhage. It is not indicated for placenta previa management and can cause uterine contractions leading to increased bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Current guidelines recommend that women aged 21 to 29 have a Pap test every three years, and those aged 30 to 65 can either have a Pap test every three years or a Pap plus HPV (human papillomavirus) test every five years. After age 65, and with a history of normal results, Pap tests may be discontinued.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should not include choice B, "Pap tests are discontinued following removal of the ovaries,” in the teaching. The presence or absence of ovaries does not affect the need for Pap testing. The Pap test is primarily used to screen for cervical cancer, and its necessity is determined based on age and previous screening results, not on ovarian status.
Choice C rationale:
Patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using vaginal medications for 24 hours before the test to ensure accurate results.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should not include choice D, "Viral infections can be detected by a Pap test,” in the teaching. The Pap test is not designed to detect viral infections. Instead, it is used to detect abnormal cervical cells, which may indicate pre-cancerous or cancerous changes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in a client with a history of cocaine use are indicative of abruptio placentae. Abruptio placentae is a medical emergency where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery, leading to severe bleeding and abdominal pain. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
Choice B rationale:
Hydatidiform mole is a gestational trophoblastic disease that occurs due to an abnormal pregnancy. It is not associated with continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Instead, clients with this condition often present with vaginal bleeding and a grape-like cluster of cysts in the uterus.
Choice C rationale:
Preterm labor involves regular uterine contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation. While preterm labor can cause abdominal discomfort, it is not usually described as continuous abdominal pain. Vaginal bleeding is not a typical symptom of preterm labor.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. It can cause painless vaginal bleeding, but it is not usually associated with continuous abdominal pain. Clients with placenta previa often experience sudden, painless bleeding later in pregnancy.
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