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 C
Explanation
Leg cramps are painful muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both.
They are common during pregnancy, often happening at night during the second and third trimesters.
While the exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t clear, various theories point to the following causes of leg cramps during pregnancy: 2
Pregnancy fatigue from carrying the extra baby weight
Compression of the blood vessels in the legs
Diet (an excess of phosphorus and a shortage of calcium or magnesium)
Pregnancy hormones since they seem to cause so many pregnancy aches and pains
Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of hormonal changes that relax the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth.
Choice B is wrong because increased spinal curvature is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of the changing center of gravity and posture during pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a consequence of muscle fatigue and weight gain during pregnancy.
Normal ranges for calcium are 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL, for magnesium are 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL, and for phosphorus are 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Peristalsis and uterine contractility would increase.
This is because progesterone is a hormone that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy.
If progesterone were reduced or withdrawn, the uterus would contract more and peristalsis would increase, leading to possible preterm labor and digestive problems.
Choice A is wrong because insulin resistance would be decreased, not increased, by lower progesterone levels.
Progesterone increases insulin resistance during pregnancy to ensure adequate glucose supply for the fetus.
Choice B is wrong because sweat and sebaceous glands would decrease production, not increase, by lower progesterone levels.
Progesterone stimulates the activity of these glands during pregnancy to regulate body temperature and protect the skin from infections.
Choice C is wrong because pyrosis (heartburn) would decrease in frequency, not increase, by lower progesterone levels.
Progesterone relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter during pregnancy, allowing gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus and cause pyrosis.
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