A nurse is caring for a patient who had an amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks gestation and reports cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours later.
Which action should be taken first?
Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Administer pain medication to the patient.
Encourage the patient to rest and elevate her legs.
Offer emotional support and reassurance to the patient.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.
These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.
Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.
Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:
No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid
No signs of infection or other illness in the baby
Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Back pain is a common symptom experienced due to increased muscle strain during pregnancy.
As the uterus grows and the center of gravity shifts, there is more pressure on the lower back muscles and ligaments.
This can cause pain, difficulty with balance, and reduced activity.
Choice A is wrong because leg cramps are not caused by muscle strain, but by other factors such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or compression of blood vessels.
Choice C is wrong because pelvic pain is not a typical symptom of musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy.
Pelvic pain can be caused by other conditions such as urinary tract infection, preterm labor, or pelvic girdle pain.
Choice D is wrong because carpal tunnel syndrome is not a result of muscle strain, but of fluid retention and swelling that compresses the median nerve in the wrist.
This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and fingers.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because a pregnant client may experience frequent urination at night due to increased urinary output caused by the increased blood volume and renal function during pregnancy.
This symptom is more common in the first and third trimesters.
Choice A is wrong because increased glomerular permeability does not cause nocturia, but it may cause proteinuria, which is the presence of protein in the urine.
Choice B is wrong because decreased renal blood flow does not cause nocturia, but it may cause renal ischemia, which is a condition where the kidneys do not receive enough blood supply.
Choice C is wrong because increased tubular reabsorption does not cause nocturia, but it may cause water retention and edema, which are swelling of the body tissues due to fluid accumulation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.