A nurse is caring for a pregnant client at 36 weeks of gestation who reports low back pain and pelvic pressure.

Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Administer a dose of tocolytic medication

Encourage the client to rest in a side-lying position

Assess fetal heart rate using a Doppler device

Assess vaginal discharge for any change

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Assess fetal heart rate using a Doppler device.

This is because low back pain and pelvic pressure at 36 weeks of gestation may indicate preterm labor, which can affect the fetal well-being. Therefore, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate as a priority to determine if the fetus is in distress or not.

Choice A is wrong because tocolytic medication is used to stop uterine contractions, not to relieve low back pain and pelvic pressure. Choice B is wrong because resting in a side-lying position may help with blood circulation and reduce supine hypotensive syndrome, but it does not address the possible cause of low back pain and pelvic pressure. Choice D is wrong because assessing vaginal discharge for any change may indicate infection, rupture of membranes, or cervical dilation, but it is not as urgent as assessing fetal heart rate.

Some interventions for preventing and treating low back pain and pelvic pressure during pregnancy include exercise, water-based exercise, acupuncture, osteomanipulative therapy, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic support belts.

However, these interventions should be discussed with the health care provider before starting them.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Ultrasound.

An ultrasound can help determine the gestational age, fetal growth, placental location, and amniotic fluid volume of the fetus.

These factors can affect the risk of pre-term labor and delivery.

An ultrasound can also detect cervical changes that may indicate pre-term labor.

Choice B is wrong because a blood count is not specific for pre-term labor.

It may be done to check for anemia, infection, or other conditions that may affect the pregnancy, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.

Choice C is wrong because a urine culture is not specific for pre-term labor.

It may be done to check for urinary tract infection, which can cause pre-term labor, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.

Choice D is wrong because an amniocentesis is not usually done for pre-term labor.

It may be done to check for fetal lung maturity, chromosomal abnormalities, or infections, but it is an invasive procedure that carries some risks and complications.

It does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.

A. Hypertension B. Hyperreflexia C. Respiratory depression D. Tachycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Magnesium sulfate is a drug that is used to prevent seizures associated with pre-eclampsia and to stop preterm labor.However, it can also cause adverse effects such as respiratory depression, which is a condition where the breathing rate becomes too slow and shallow.

Respiratory depression can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby, so the nurse should monitor the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely.

Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hypotension, not hypertension.Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hyporeflexia, not hyperreflexia.Hyporeflexia is a reduced or absent reflex response, which can indicate magnesium toxicity.

The nurse should check the client’s deep tendon reflexes regularly and stop the infusion if they are absent.

Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause bradycardia, not tachycardia.

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, which can reduce the blood flow to vital organs.

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A nurse is caring for a pregnant client at 36 weeks of gestation who reports low back pain and pelvic pressure. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client for pre-term labor. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate being ordered for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of magnesium sulfate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who delivered a pre-term newborn at 34 weeks of gestation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is at risk for pre-term labor at 30 weeks of gestation. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse monitor for in the newborn?

A nurse is teaching a client who is pregnant about the risk factors for pre-term labor. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is monitoring a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. The client is receiving magnesium sulfate IV infusion. Which of the following are expected adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is evaluating the understanding of a client who is at risk for pre-term labor and has been instructed to perform daily home uterine activity monitoring (HUAM). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is assessing a pre-term newborn who was born at 28 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings indicates a possible diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. What is the purpose of this medication?

A nurse is assessing a client who is in pre-term labor and has received one dose of terbutaline subcutaneously. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse is caring for a pregnant client at 36 weeks of gestation who reports low back pain and pelvic pressure.

Which intervention should the nurse implement first?