A nurse is assessing a client for pre-term labor.
Which assessment finding would be most concerning and require immediate intervention?
Infection on speculum examination
Bleeding on speculum examination
Positive fetal fibronectin test (FFN)
Normal fetal heart rate and activity
The Correct Answer is A
Infection on speculum examination.
Infection is a major cause of preterm labor and can lead to serious complications for the mother and the fetus.
Infection can be detected by a speculum examination that shows signs of inflammation, such as erythema, edema, discharge, or odor.
Infection can also be confirmed by laboratory tests, such as culture, gram stain, or polymerase chain reaction. Infection should be treated promptly with antibiotics and other supportive measures.
Choice B. Bleeding on speculum examination is wrong because bleeding is not a direct cause of preterm labor, but rather a sign of other conditions that may increase the risk of preterm labor, such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or cervical trauma. Bleeding should be evaluated further to determine the source and severity of the hemorrhage and to manage any complications.
Choice C. Positive fetal fibronectin test (FFN) is wrong because a positive FFN test indicates the presence of fetal fibronectin in the cervical or vaginal secretions, which is a marker of increased risk of preterm labor, but not a definitive marker.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Ultrasound.
An ultrasound can help determine the gestational age, fetal growth, placental location, and amniotic fluid volume of the fetus.
These factors can affect the risk of pre-term labor and delivery.
An ultrasound can also detect cervical changes that may indicate pre-term labor.
Choice B is wrong because a blood count is not specific for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for anemia, infection, or other conditions that may affect the pregnancy, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Choice C is wrong because a urine culture is not specific for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for urinary tract infection, which can cause pre-term labor, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Choice D is wrong because an amniocentesis is not usually done for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for fetal lung maturity, chromosomal abnormalities, or infections, but it is an invasive procedure that carries some risks and complications.
It does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
History of urinary tract infections.According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated vaginal infections, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, are risk factors for preterm labor.
These infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the cervix, which can trigger contractions and cervical dilation.
Choice B is wrong because maternal age of 25 years is not a risk factor for preterm labor.In fact, women younger than 18 or older than 35 are more likely to have a preterm delivery.
Choice C is wrong because singleton pregnancy is not a risk factor for preterm labor.On the contrary, being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more (called "multiple gestations") is associated with a higher risk of preterm labor and birth.
Choice D is wrong because cervical length of 3 cm is not a risk factor for preterm labor.A short cervix (less than 2.5 cm) or a cervix that shortens in the second trimester instead of the third trimester is a risk factor for preterm delivery.A normal cervical length ranges from 3 to 5 cm during pregnancy.
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