A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following findings is the nurse's first priority?

Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F)

The client reports reduced sensation of the lower extremities.

The client reports generalized itching.

Blood pressure 80/52 mm Hg

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A: Elevated temperature during labor may be common and is not the nurse's first priority, especially when the client is receiving epidural analgesia, as it can be related to the stress of labor or other factors.
B: Reduced sensation of the lower extremities is an expected effect of epidural analgesia, and it is not the nurse's first priority unless it leads to complications such as motor weakness or respiratory distress.
C: Generalized itching is a common side effect of epidural analgesia due to opioids, and it can be managed with interventions such as antihistamines. However, it is not the nurse's first priority unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
D: Epidural analgesia can cause vasodilation and decrease the client's blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension. Hypotension can be detrimental to both the mother and the baby and requires immediate attention to prevent complications. Therefore, the nurse's first priority is to address the low blood pressure.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) All of the clients: Maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is a routine prenatal test offered to all pregnant women, usually between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is used to screen for certain fetal anomalies, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Regardless of a client's medical history or risk factors, the MSAFP screening is typically recommended for all pregnant individuals as part of routine prenatal care.
B) A client who has a history of preterm labor: Preterm labor history is not a specific indication for MSAFP screening. This test is primarily used to screen for fetal anomalies, not preterm labor risk assessment.
C) A client who has mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is also not an indication for MSAFP screening. The test is focused on assessing fetal health and not maternal heart conditions.
D) A client who has been exposed to AIDS: MSAFP screening is not related to maternal exposure to AIDS. It is a test focused on assessing the fetus's risk of certain congenital abnormalities.

A. "Complete a bowel prep protocol the day before the procedure." B. "Empty her bladder immediately prior to the procedure." C. "Food and fluids should not be consumed the day of the procedure." D. "Wash her abdomen with soap and water the morning of the procedure."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: Bowel prep protocols are not required for an amniocentesis procedure, as it involves sampling amniotic fluid from the uterus, not the bowel.
Choice B: Emptying the bladder before the procedure is important to improve comfort and minimize the risk of accidental puncture during the amniocentesis.

Choice C: It is essential to have a full bladder for some ultrasound procedures, but it is not necessary for an amniocentesis. A full bladder can help push the uterus upward and make it easier to visualize the fetus during the ultrasound, but it is not relevant to the amniocentesis procedure.
Choice D: Washing the abdomen with soap and water is not a required step for an amniocentesis procedure. The procedure involves sterile preparation of the abdomen using an antiseptic
solution.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following findings is the nurse's first priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients who are pregnant. The nurse should anticipate the provider will order a maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening for which of the following clients?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 23 weeks of gestation and will return to the facility in 2 days for an amniocentesis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 18 weeks of gestation. The client tells the nurse that she felt fluttering movements in her abdomen 3 days ago. The nurse should interpret this finding as which of the following?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation. The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse admits a woman who is at 38 weeks of gestation and in early labor with ruptured membranes. The nurse determines that the client's oral temperature is 38.9°C (102°F). Besides notifying the provider, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

A nurse is caring for a client who is having a nonstress test performed. The fetal heart rate (FHR) is 130 to 150/min, but there has been no fetal movement for 15 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

A nurse is providing teaching about Kegel exercises to a group of clients who are in the third trimester of pregnancy. Which of the following statements by a client indicates understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is completing a health history for a client who is at 6 weeks of gestation. The client informs the nurse that she smokes one pack of cigarettes per day. The nurse should advise the client that smoking places the client's newborn at risk for which of the following complications?