A nurse is assessing a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and reports sudden, severe abdominal pain with moderate vaginal bleeding and persistent uterine contractions.
The client's blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, and her abdomen is rigid.
The nurse should identify these findings as indicating which of the following complications?

Uterine rupture.

Placental abruption.

Placenta previa.

Amniotic fluid embolus.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Uterine rupture typically presents with intense, constant abdominal pain and signs of shock. However, the absence of visible bleeding in the abdominal cavity makes this choice less likely in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. The sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, rigid abdomen) are indicative of placental abruption. This condition requires immediate medical intervention due to the risk of fetal and maternal compromise.

Choice C rationale:

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening. It typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The severe abdominal pain described in the scenario is inconsistent with placenta previa.

Choice D rationale:

Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare and life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. It can lead to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Although it can cause respiratory distress and hypotension, it does not usually present with severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room.

A. Initiate contact precautions for the client upon admission. This is incorrect because contact precautions are not sufficient to prevent the spread of TB, which is an airborne disease that can travel through small droplets in the air.
B. Restrict visitors from entering the client's room during hospitalization. This is incorrect because visitors can enter the client's room as long as they wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as an N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection.
C. Wear a surgical mask while providing care for the client. This is incorrect because a surgical mask does not filter out small airborne particles that carry TB bacteria. The nurse should wear an N95 respirator or higher level of respiratory protection when caring for a client who has active TB.
D. Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room. This is correct because a surgical mask can reduce the amount of droplets that are expelled by the client when coughing or sneezing, thus minimizing the risk of infecting others in common areas or hallways.

A. Obtain capillary blood glucose level every 2 hr B. Check the neurovascular status of the client's lower extremities every hour C. Apply a cold pack to the client's ankle for 30 min every hour D. Maintain the affected ankle elevated and immobilized

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Incorrect. Obtaining capillary blood glucose level every 2 hr is appropriate for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus, but it does not address the ankle injury.
B. Incorrect. Checking the neurovascular status of the client's lower extremities every hour is important for a client who has an ankle injury, but it does not require clarification with the provider.
C. Correct. Applying a cold pack to the client's ankle for 30 min every hour can reduce swelling and inflammation, but it can also impair circulation and increase the risk of tissue damage in a client who has diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before implementing it.
D. Incorrect. Maintaining the affected ankle elevated and immobilized can help prevent further injury and promote healing, but it does not require clarification with the provider.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has active tuberculosis (TB). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to prevent the transmission of the disease?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and reports severe ankle pain after falling off a stepstool at home. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of terminal cancer. The client tells the nurse that they would like to go home to be with family and loved ones. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) and a prescription for neostigmine. Which of the following information should the nurse include about the action of the medication?

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