A nurse is providing care for a patient who is at 34 weeks of gestation. The nurse is reviewing the patient’s electronic medical record to develop a plan of care. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing, what are two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and what are two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the patient’s progress?

Preeclampsia, initiate seizure precautions, monitor neurological status and liver function studies.

Hypertension, prepare for bed rest, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.

Gestational diabetes, administer insulin, monitor blood glucose levels and fetal heart rate.

Preterm labor, administer tocolytics, monitor contraction pattern and cervical dilation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. If a patient is experiencing preeclampsia, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions, as seizures can occur in severe cases. The nurse should also monitor the patient’s neurological status and liver function studies, as these can be affected by preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can occur during pregnancy, but the actions listed do not fully address the condition. While bed rest was once commonly recommended for high blood pressure during pregnancy, research has not shown it to be effective. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is important, but other interventions, such as medication, may also be necessary.
Choice C rationale
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Insulin may be administered to help control blood glucose levels. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels and fetal heart rate, as gestational diabetes can affect both the mother and the baby. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Tocolytics may be administered to slow or stop contractions. The nurse should monitor the contraction pattern and cervical dilation to assess for progression of labor. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
The term “effaced” refers to the thinning of the cervix, which is a process that occurs as labor approaches. However, the documentation “-1” does not indicate the degree of cervical effacement.
Choice B rationale
The term “presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines” would be documented as “+1” in a vaginal examination. This indicates that the presenting part of the fetus (usually the head) is 1 cm below the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the maternal pelvis.
Choice C rationale
The documentation “-1” in a vaginal examination refers to the position of the presenting part of the fetus in relation to the ischial spines of the maternal pelvis. A “-1” indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines. This is a common finding during labor and does not indicate any abnormality.
Choice D rationale
The term “dilated” refers to the opening of the cervix. In the context of labor and delivery, the cervix dilates from 0 to 10 cm to allow for the passage of the baby. However, the documentation “-1” does not provide information about the degree of cervical dilation.

A. This test is a screening test for spinal defects in the fetus. B. This test assesses fetal lung maturity. C. This test identifies an Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus. D. This test assesses various markers of fetal well-being.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test is a screening test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. It is used to assess the likelihood of certain birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Choice B rationale
The MSAFP test does not assess fetal lung maturity. Other tests, such as amniocentesis, can be used to assess this.
Choice C rationale
The MSAFP test does not identify Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus. Rh incompatibility is typically determined through blood typing and antibody screening.
Choice D rationale
While the MSAFP test can provide valuable information about the health of the fetus, it does not assess various markers of fetal well-being. It is specifically used to screen for certain birth defects.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient following a vaginal examination by the provider which is documented as: -1. Which of the following interpretations of this finding should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation. Which of the following explanations about this test should the nurse provide to the client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 22 weeks of gestation and has been unable to control her gestational diabetes mellitus with diet and exercise. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate a prescription from the provider for the client?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client. Using Leopold maneuvers, the nurse palpates a round, firm, movable part in the fundus of the uterus and a long, smooth surface on the client’s right side. In which abdominal quadrant should the nurse expect to auscultate fetal heart tones?

A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage pre-eclampsia. Which of the following observations should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

A nurse is preparing to administer methylergonovine IM to a client who has just had a vaginal delivery. The nurse should inform the client that this medication is intended to prevent which of the following conditions?

The nurse caring for the pregnant patient understands that which hormone is essential for maintaining pregnancy?

Which blood pressure (BP) finding during the second trimester indicates a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension?

A nurse is leading a discussion about contraception with a group of 14-year-old clients. After the presentation, a client asks the nurse which method would be best for her to use. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?