A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the uses of ultrasonography in the first trimester of pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"Ultrasound is used to observe for placental maturity in the first trimester."
"Ultrasound is used to detect intrauterine growth restriction in the first trimester."
"Ultrasound is used to determine gestational age in the first trimester."
"Ultrasound is used to perform a biophysical profile in the first trimester."
The Correct Answer is C
Ultrasonography is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the body. It is a safe and noninvasive method that can provide valuable information about the pregnancy, such as the number, size, location, and health of the fetus(es), the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and the uterus.
Ultrasonography can be performed at any time during pregnancy, but it is especially useful in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy) for several reasons, such as:
- To confirm the pregnancy and rule out ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus) or molar pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops into an abnormal mass of tissue)
- To determine gestational age (the length of time since the first day of the last menstrual period) and estimate due date (the expected date of delivery)
- To screen for chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) or structural defects (such as spina bifida) in the fetus
- To identify multiple gestations (such as twins or triplets) or complications (such as miscarriage or
bleeding)
One of the main uses of ultrasonography in the first trimester is to determine gestational age. This is important because it can affect many aspects of prenatal care and delivery, such as:
- The timing and accuracy of other tests and procedures
- The monitoring and evaluation of fetal growth and development
- The identification and management of potential problems or complications
- The planning and preparation for labor and delivery
Gestational age can be determined by measuring the crown-rump length (CRL) of the fetus, which is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the spine. The CRL can be measured by using a transvaginal ultrasound (an ultrasound probe that is inserted into the vagina) or a transabdominal ultrasound (an ultrasound probe that is moved over the abdomen). The CRL can be compared to a standard growth chart to estimate gestational age. The CRL measurement is most accurate between 7 and 13 weeks of pregnancy .
Therefore, the newly licensed nurse who says that ultrasound is used to determine gestational age in the first trimester indicates an understanding of the teaching.
The other statements show a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of the uses of ultrasonography in the first trimester:
- a) "Ultrasound is used to observe for placental maturity in the first trimester." This is not correct because placental maturity is not assessed in the first trimester. Placental maturity refers to the changes that occur in the placenta as it ages and prepares for delivery. Placental maturity can be evaluated by using a grading system that ranges from 0 to 3, based on the appearance of calcifications (deposits of calcium) in the placenta. Placental maturity can be assessed by using a transabdominal ultrasound in the third trimester (after 28 weeks of pregnancy).
- b) "Ultrasound is used to detect intrauterine growth restriction in the first trimester." This is not correct because intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is not detected in the first trimester. IUGR is a condition in which the fetus does not grow as expected and has a low birth weight for its gestational age. IUGR can be caused by various factors, such as placental insufficiency, maternal malnutrition, infection, or chronic disease. IUGR can affect fetal development and increase the risk of complications, such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, or stillbirth. IUGR can be diagnosed by measuring fetal growth parameters, such as abdominal circumference, head circumference, femur length, and estimated fetal weight. These measurements can be obtained by using a transabdominal ultrasound in the second or third trimester (after 20 weeks of pregnancy).
- d) "Ultrasound is used to perform a biophysical profile in the first trimester." This is not correct because a biophysical profile (BPP) is not performed in the first trimester. A BPP is a test that evaluates fetal well-being by assessing five parameters: fetal movement, fetal tone, fetal breathing, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate. A BPP can help detect fetal distress or hypoxia and guide management decisions. A BPP can be performed by using a combination of transabdominal ultrasound and nonstress test (NST) in the third trimester (after 32 weeks of pregnancy).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["3"]
Explanation
Use the following formula to calculate the amount of gentamicin to administer:
Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)
First, I need to convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms. One pound is equal to 0.4536 kilograms. Therefore, 132 lb is equal to 132 x 0.4536 = 59.8752 kg.
Next, I need to multiply the client's weight by the prescribed dose of gentamicin per kilogram. The prescribed dose is 2 mg/kg, so the total dose is 2 x 59.8752 = 119.7504 mg.
Finally, I need to divide the total dose by the concentration of gentamicin in the injection. The concentration is 40 mg/mL, so the volume is 119.7504 / 40 = 2.99376 mL.
To round the answer to the nearest whole number, I need to look at the first decimal place. If it is 5 or more, I round up; if it is less than 5, I round down. In this case, the first decimal place is 9, which is more than 5, so I round up. Therefore, the final answer is 3 mL.
The nurse should administer 3 mL of gentamicin injection to the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Heart rate is one of the vital signs that reflects the health and well-being of a newborn. It is measured by counting the number of heart beats per minute, either by listening to the chest with a stethoscope or by feeling the pulse at the wrist, elbow, or groin. Heart rate can vary depending on the newborn's activity level, temperature, and emotional state¹.
The normal range for heart rate in full-term newborns is 120 to 160 beats per minute. The heart rate may be slightly higher or lower depending on the newborn's age, weight, and gestational age. For example, premature newborns may have a higher heart rate than term newborns, and heavier newborns may have a lower heart rate than lighter newborns¹².
A heart rate that is too high (tachycardia) or too low (bradycardia) can indicate a problem with the newborn's heart function, oxygenation, or circulation. Some of the possible causes of abnormal heart rate in newborns are:
- Congenital heart defects: structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth and affect the blood flow through the heart and the body. They can cause cyanosis (bluish skin color), murmur (abnormal heart sound), poor feeding, or failure to thrive¹³.
- Arrhythmias: irregular or abnormal heart rhythms that can affect the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat. They can cause palpitations (feeling of skipped or extra beats), dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrest¹³.
- Hypoxia: lack of oxygen in the blood or tissues that can affect the brain and other organs. It can be caused by respiratory distress, anemia, infection, or birth asphyxia. It can cause bradycardia, apnea (pauses in breathing), seizures, or coma¹⁴.
- Hypothermia: low body temperature that can affect the metabolism and organ function. It can be caused by exposure to cold environment, infection, or prematurity. It can cause bradycardia, lethargy, poor feeding, or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)¹⁴.
- Sepsis: severe infection that can affect the whole body and cause inflammation and organ damage. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that enter the bloodstream from the mother, the umbilical cord, or the environment. It can cause tachycardia, fever, chills, poor feeding, or shock¹⁴.
Therefore, the nurse should report a heart rate of 72/min to the provider as an abnormal finding and monitor the newborn for any other signs of distress or illness. The provider may order further tests or treatments to determine the cause and severity of the low heart rate and prevent any complications.
The other findings are not findings that the nurse should report to the provider because they are within the
normal range for full-term newborns:
- a) Respiratory rate 55/min is within the normal range for respiratory rate in full-term newborns. The normal range for respiratory rate in full-term newborns is 40 to 60 breaths per minute. The respiratory rate may vary depending on the newborn's activity level, temperature and emotional state¹².
- b) Blood pressure 80/50 mm Hg is within the normal range for blood pressure in full-term newborns. The normal range for blood pressure in full-term newborns is 65 to 95 mm Hg for systolic pressure (the top number) and 30 to 60 mm Hg for diastolic pressure (the bottom number). The blood pressure may vary depending on the newborn's age, weight, and gestational age¹².
- c) Temperature 36.5°C (97.7°F) is within the normal range for temperature in full-term newborns. The normal range for temperature in full-term newborns is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). The temperature may vary depending on the newborn's activity level, clothing, and environment¹².
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