A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for a cesarean birth based on the fetal lungs having reached maturity. Which of the following findings indicates that the fetal lungs are mature?
Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) absent
Nonstress test is reactive
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1
Biophysical profile score of 8
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: The presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in the amniotic fluid is another indicator of fetal lung maturity. The absence of PG is associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the newborn.
Choice B rationale: A nonstress test is a test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. It is not directly related to assessing fetal lung maturity.
Choice C rationale: The L/S ratio is an important indicator of fetal lung maturity. Lecithin and sphingomyelin are two surfactants present in the lungs, and the ratio of these two substances increases as the fetal lungs mature. An L/S ratio of 2:1 or greater is considered an indication of lung maturity and suggests that the newborn should be able to breathe adequately after birth.
Choice D rationale: The biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound assessment of the fetus, which includes evaluating fetal movements, breathing, heart rate, and amniotic fluid volume. While a BPP of 8 is a reassuring score, it does not provide direct information about fetal lung maturity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is elicited by making a loud noise or performing a sharp hand clap near the newborn. In response to the stimulus, the newborn will throw their arms and legs outward and then bring them back toward the center of the body.
Choice B rationale: Placing a finger at the base of the newborn's toes is not related to eliciting the Moro reflex. This action may elicit the Babinski reflex, which causes the toes to fan out and the big toe to dorsiflex.
Choice C rationale: This action may elicit the stepping reflex, where the newborn will make stepping movements when the soles of their feet touch a flat surface. It is not related to eliciting the Moro reflex.
Choice D rationale: Turning the newborn's head quickly to one side is not related to eliciting the Moro reflex. This action may elicit the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), where the newborn will extend the arm and leg on the side their head is turned to and flex the opposite arm and leg.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A positive contraction stress test warrants immediate attention and evaluation. Waiting for 24 hours to repeat the test could delay necessary interventions in case of fetal distress.
Choice B rationale: A positive contraction stress test indicates that there are late decelerations in the baby's heart rate during contractions, which may suggest fetal distress. In such cases, it is essential to admit the client to the hospital for further evaluation, monitoring, and appropriate management.
Choice C rationale: Checking the client's cervix for dilation is not the most appropriate action in response to a positive contraction stress test. Fetal well-being and assessment take priority in this situation.
Choice D rationale: A positive contraction stress test requires further action and should not be considered a routine finding. Proper management and evaluation are necessary when the test results are positive.
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