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
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This change alters the center of gravity and posture of the body because the uterus expands and shifts higher as the fetus grows during pregnancy.
This causes an increased strain on the muscles and ligaments supporting the vertebral column and leads to lower back pain.
Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is caused by hormonal changes that loosen the ligaments throughout the body, resulting in decreased stability of the joints.
Choice C is wrong because increased muscle strain does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is a consequence of the shift in the center of gravity and the weight gain during pregnancy, which put more pressure on the back muscles.
Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is not a common musculoskeletal change during pregnancy, although some women may experience fatigue or weakness due to hormonal changes or anemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Increased glomerular filtration rate.
This is because during pregnancy, the renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate increase to meet the increased metabolic demands of the mother and fetus.
This can result in increased urinary protein excretion, which is usually mild and does not indicate renal damage.
Choice A is wrong because decreased glomerular permeability would reduce the amount of protein that can pass through the glomerulus and into the urine.
Choice B is wrong because decreased protein intake would not affect the urinary protein levels, unless the intake is severely deficient.
Choice D is wrong because increased tubular reabsorption would decrease the amount of protein that is excreted in the urine, as the tubules would reabsorb more protein from the filtrate and return it to the blood.
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