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.

Nursing Test Bank

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Tightening the tubing connections may be necessary if there is a leak in the ventilator system, but it does not address the high-pressure alarm issue. The nurse needs to address the immediate alarm situation first.

Choice B rationale:

Requesting insertion of a tracheostomy tube is not the appropriate action for a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Tracheostomy tube insertion is a significant procedure that is not indicated solely based on a high-pressure alarm.

Choice C rationale:

Suctioning the client's airway is the correct action for a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. The alarm indicates an obstruction in the airway, and suctioning can help clear any secretions or blockages, allowing the client to breathe more effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Looking for a leak in the tube's cuff may be necessary if the high-pressure alarm persists after suctioning and checking connections. Identifying and repairing any leaks can prevent further issues with ventilation. However, immediate action should be taken to clear the airway first, as indicated by suctioning.

A. Difficulty performing ADLs B. Inability to swallow clear liquids C. Elevated blood glucose levels D. Unsteady gait when ambulating

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Correct. Difficulty performing ADLs such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or feeding may indicate that the client has impaired motor function, sensory perception, or cognitive ability due to the stroke, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help the client regain or adapt their skills and abilities for daily living.
B. Incorrect. Inability to swallow clear liquids may indicate that the client has dysphagia or impaired swallowing function due to the stroke, which can increase their risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Speech therapy can help the client improve their swallowing function and provide recommendations for safe oral intake.
C. Incorrect. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate that the client has diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism due to the stroke, which can affect their healing and recovery process and increase their risk of complications such as infection or hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia episodes. Diabetes education and management can help the client control their blood glucose levels and prevent adverse outcomes.
D. Incorrect. Unsteady gait when ambulating may indicate that the client has impaired balance, coordination, or muscle strength due to the stroke, which can affect their mobility and safety and increase their risk of falls or injuries. Physical therapy can help the client improve their gait and mobility and provide assistive devices if needed.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube, the high-pressure alarm on the ventilator sounds.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assessing a client who has had a stroke. For which of the following findings should the nurse initiate a referral for occupational therapy?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a female client who requires bed rest and reports difficulty urinating into a bedpan.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client following an involuntary admission to an acute mental health facility.The client states, "I'm afraid they will give me drugs that put me to sleep." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A nurse is providing information to a client immediately before his scheduled Romberg test. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client who had a recent positive pregnancy test. The first day of her last menstrual period (LMP) was May 8. According to Nägele's rule, which of the following dates should the nurse document as the client's estimated date of birth (EDB)?

A nurse is teaching about how to suppress lactation with a client who is postpartum and bottle-feeding her newborn. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client. The client has a pH of 7.2, PaCO2 of 60 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 25 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?

An antepartum nurse is caring for four clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse initiate seizure precautions?