A patient with a history of mitral valve prolapse is admitted at 41 weeks gestation for induction of labor.The doctor prescribes intravenous antibiotic therapy for the patient to be given during labor.Based on this information, what is the primary reason for administering antibiotics to this patient at this time?
The patient has heart disease, and the antibiotics will decrease the risk to her fetus of developing endocarditis.
The patient has heart disease, and the antibiotics will decrease her risk of developing pericarditis.
The patient will deliver post-term, and the antibiotics will help to decrease her risk of developing chorioamnionitis.
The patient will deliver post-term, and the antibiotics will decrease the risk to her fetus of developing a systemic infection.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The patient has heart disease, and the antibiotics will decrease the risk to her fetus of developing endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart and valves, which can be caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream during labor and delivery. Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are more prone to develop endocarditis because their valve leaflets are floppy and do not close tightly, creating a site for bacterial attachment.Antibiotics can help prevent this complication by killing the bacteria before they reach the heart.
Choice B is wrong because pericarditis is an inflammation of the outer layer of the heart, not the inner lining or valves. It is not related to MVP or bacterial infection.
Choice C is wrong because chorioamnionitis is an infection of the membranes and fluid that surround the fetus, not the heart. It is usually caused by bacteria ascending from the vagina or cervix, not from the bloodstream.
Choice D is wrong because delivering post-term does not increase the risk of systemic infection for the fetus. Systemic infection means infection that affects multiple organs or systems in the body, not just one specific site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Rest on your side as much as possible.This is because resting on the side can improve blood flow to the placenta and lower blood pressure.It can also reduce the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome, which occurs when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and reduces venous return.
Choice A is wrong because spicy foods have no effect on blood pressure or pregnancy outcomes.Choice B is wrong because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and increase blood viscosity, which can worsen hypertension.Choice C is wrong because urinating frequently does not lower blood pressure or prevent complications of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy.It can lead to serious problems for both the mother and the baby, such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth.
Women with PIH should follow their doctor’s advice on medication, diet, exercise, and monitoring.They should also report any symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as severe headache, blurred vision, abdominal pain, or swelling.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Apply ice to her perineal area.This is because ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the episiotomy wound, which is a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and anus during childbirth.Ice should be applied for the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery.
Choice A is wrong because Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are not recommended for the first 12 hours after an episiotomy.They can increase blood flow and inflammation in the area, and may interfere with healing.
Choice C is wrong because keeping her hips slightly elevated can cause pressure on the episiotomy wound and increase discomfort.It can also affect blood circulation and drainage in the area.
Choice D is wrong because observing her perineal area for signs of infection is not a nursing action that should be included in her plan of care for the first 12 hours.Infection is rare in episiotomy wounds, and signs of infection usually appear after 24 hours or later.However, the nurse should teach the patient how to keep the area clean and dry, and when to report any signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.
Normal ranges for episiotomy healing are:
• Stitches dissolve within 2 to 4 weeks
• Pain and swelling subside within a few days to a week
• Wound heals completely within 4 to 6 weeks
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.