A pregnant woman at 37 weeks of gestation has had ruptured membranes for 26 hours. A cesarean section is performed for failure to progress. The fetal heart rate (FHR) before birth is 180 beats per minute with limited variability. At birth, the newborn has Apgar scores of 6 and 7 at 1 and 5 minutes and is noted to be pale and tachypneic. Based on the maternal history, what is the most likely cause of this newborn's distress?

Hypoglycemia

Phrenic nerve injury

Sepsis

Meconium aspiration syndrome

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level that can affect newborns, especially those who are premature, small for gestational age, or have diabetic mothers. However, hypoglycemia does not explain the high FHR, the low Apgar scores, or the pale and tachypneic appearance of the newborn.

Choice B reason: Phrenic nerve injury is a rare complication of cesarean section that can cause diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory distress in the newborn. However, phrenic nerve injury usually affects only one side of the chest, and does not cause high FHR, low Apgar scores, or pallor.

Choice C reason: Sepsis is a serious infection that can affect newborns, especially those who are exposed to prolonged rupture of membranes, as in this case. Sepsis can cause high FHR, low Apgar scores, pale and tachypneic appearance, and other signs of shock and organ failure.

Choice D reason: Meconium aspiration syndrome is a condition where the newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs, causing respiratory distress. However, meconium aspiration syndrome usually occurs in term or post-term infants, and is associated with low FHR, not high FHR. Meconium aspiration syndrome also causes cyanosis, not pallor.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Calcium carbonate is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn. Calcium carbonate is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

Choice B reason: Potassium chloride is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an electrolyte supplement that replenishes potassium levels and prevents hypokalemia. Potassium chloride is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

Choice C reason: Ferrous sulfate is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an iron supplement that prevents or treats iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

Choice D reason: Calcium gluconate is the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an antidote that reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate and restores calcium levels and neuromuscular function. Calcium gluconate is used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

A. Nervousness B. Tremors C. Dyspnea D. Headaches

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Nervousness is a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, which is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and relaxes the uterine smooth muscle. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can provide reassurance and comfort to the client.

Choice B reason: Tremors are also a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, as it causes increased muscle activity and shakiness. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can monitor the client's vital signs and electrolyte levels, and advise the client to avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

Choice C reason: Dyspnea is an uncommon and serious side effect of terbutaline, as it can indicate pulmonary edema, which is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for interventions, such as oxygen therapy, diuretics, or discontinuation of terbutaline.

Choice D reason: Headaches are also a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, as it causes vasodilation and increased blood flow to the brain. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can administer analgesics as prescribed, and encourage the client to rest and hydrate.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which compound would the nurse have readily available for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in premature labor and is receiving terbutaline. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects that should be reported to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer oxygen via hood therapy to a newborn who was born at 30 weeks of gestation. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action when providing care to this infant?

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?

A primigravida is being monitored at the prenatal clinic for preeclampsia. Which finding is of greatest concern to the nurse?

A nurse on the obstetric unit is caring for a client who experienced abruptio placentae. The nurse observes petechiae and bleeding around the IV access site. The nurse should recognize that this client is at risk for which of the following complications?

A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is teaching a client who is in her second trimester and has a new diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?