A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the maternity unit at 38 weeks of gestation and who is experiencing polyhydramnios. The nurse should understand that this diagnosis means which of the following?
The client is carrying more than one fetus.
The fetus is likely to have a congenital anomaly, be growth restricted, or demonstrate fetal distress during labor.
An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is present.
There is an elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible cause of it. Polyhydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can occur in multiple pregnancies, as the fetuses produce more urine and fluid than a single fetus.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible complication of it. Polyhydramnios can cause fetal anomalies, such as esophageal atresia, anencephaly, or neural tube defects, which impair the swallowing or absorption of the amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios can also cause fetal growth restriction or distress, as the excess fluid can compress the umbilical cord or the placenta, and reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as it is the definition of polyhydramnios, which is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can be diagnosed by ultrasound, and it can cause maternal and fetal complications, such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, or cord prolapse.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a marker of fetal anomalies. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is produced by the fetus, and it can be measured in the maternal serum or the amniotic fluid. An elevated level of AFP in the amniotic fluid can indicate fetal anomalies, such as neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, or renal anomalies, which can cause polyhydramnios.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important intervention that can help the client to manage her physical recovery and her infant's needs, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.
Choice B reason: Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a priority action by the nurse, as it is essential to assess the client's risk of infanticide, which is the intentional killing of an infant by the mother. Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a sensitive and difficult question, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the infant and the mother, and to provide appropriate interventions and referrals. The nurse should ask the question in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner, and validate the client's feelings and concerns.
Choice C reason: Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is a helpful intervention that can enhance the client's resilience and self-efficacy, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.
Choice D reason: Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is a possible intervention that can improve the client's mood and functioning, but it is not the only or the first option to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being. The nurse should collaborate with the provider and the client to determine the best treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, social support, or alternative therapies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Missed miscarriage is not the type of abortion that the client is experiencing, because it is characterized by the absence of fetal heart activity and the retention of the products of conception in the uterus. The client would not have heavy bleeding or tissue expulsion.
Choice B reason: Incomplete miscarriage is the type of abortion that the client is experiencing, because it is characterized by the partial expulsion of the products of conception from the uterus, with some tissue remaining inside. The client would have heavy bleeding, open cervical os, and tissue present.
Choice C reason: Inevitable miscarriage is not the type of abortion that the client is experiencing, because it is characterized by the rupture of membranes and dilation of the cervical os, but no expulsion of the products of conception. The client would have moderate bleeding and cramping, but no tissue present.
Choice D reason: Complete miscarriage is not the type of abortion that the client is experiencing, because it is characterized by the complete expulsion of the products of conception from the uterus. The client would have mild bleeding and cramping, and a closed cervical os.
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