A woman is at 32 weeks' gestation. Her fundal height measurement at this clinic appointment is 26 centimeters. After reviewing her ultrasound results, the health care provider asks the nurse to schedule the client for a series of ultrasounds to be done every 2 weeks. The nurse should ensure that the client understands that the main purpose for this is to:
Select one:

Rule out a suspected hydatidiform mole.

Assess for congenital anomalies.

Determine fetal presentation.

Monitor fetal growth.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason: Rule out a suspected hydatidiform mole. This is an incorrect answer that describes an unlikely condition for this client. A hydatidiform mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease where abnormal placental tissue develops instead of a normal fetus. A hydatidiform mole can cause vaginal bleeding, hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting), preeclampsia, and hyperthyroidism. A hydatidiform mole usually causes a fundal height measurement that is larger than expected for gestational age, not smaller.

Choice B Reason: Assess for congenital anomalies. This is an incorrect answer that implies that the client has not had a previous ultrasound to screen for fetal anomalies. Congenital anomalies are structural or functional defects that are present at birth, such as cleft lip, spina bifida, or Down syndrome. Ultrasound can detect some congenital anomalies by visualizing the fetal anatomy and morphology. However, ultrasound screening for fetal anomalies is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, not at 32 weeks.

Choice C Reason: Determine fetal presentation. This is an incorrect answer that suggests that the client has an uncertain fetal presentation. Fetal presentation is the part of the fetus that is closest to the cervix, such as vertex (head), breech (butocks or feet), or transverse (shoulder). Fetal presentation can aﬀect the mode and outcome of delivery. Ultrasound can determine fetal presentation by locating the fetal head and spine. However, fetal presentation can also be assessed by abdominal palpation or vaginal examination, which are simpler and less invasive methods.

Choice D Reason: Monitor fetal growth. This is because fundal height measurement is a method of estimating fetal size and gestational age by measuring the distance from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus (fundus) in centimeters. A fundal height measurement that is significantly smaller or larger than expected for gestational age may indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia, respectively. IUGR means that the fetal growth is slower than expected for gestational age, which can increase the risk of fetal distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and stillbirth. Macrosomia means that the fetal weight is higher than expected for gestational age, which can increase the risk of birth injuries, shoulder dystocia, cesarean delivery, and hypoglycemia. Ultrasound is a more accurate way of assessing fetal size and growth by measuring various parameters such as biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). Ultrasound can also detect other factors that may aﬀect fetal growth such as placental function, amniotic ﬂuid volume, umbilical cord blood ﬂow, and fetal anomalies.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a diﬀerent condition that aﬀects hemoglobin levels, not blood pressure. Physiologic anemia is a condition where the maternal plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell mass during pregnancy, which dilutes the hemoglobin concentration and lowers the hematocrit value. Physiologic anemia does not cause significant symptoms or complications in pregnant women, as it is an adaptive mechanism that enhances oxygen delivery and prevents ﬂuid overload.

Choice B Reason: Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta. This is because this statement explains the cause of supine hypotensive syndrome, which is a condition where lying ﬂat on the back causes compression of the major blood vessels by the gravid uterus, which reduces venous return and cardiac output, which lowers blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Supine hypotensive syndrome can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, or syncope in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.

Choice C Reason: Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a diﬀerent condition that aﬀects respiratory function, not blood pressure. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm is a result of cephalic engagement or lightening, which occurs when the fetal head descends into the pelvis and occupies more space in the abdominal cavity. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm can cause symptoms such as dyspnea, heartburn, or rib pain in pregnant women.

Choice D Reason: A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that describes a normal physiological change that occurs during pregnancy, not a cause of supine hypotensive syndrome. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is due to increased production of plasma and red blood cells, which helps meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus and placenta, and prepares the mother for blood loss during delivery. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy does not cause hypotension or dizziness in pregnant women.

A. "My baby will always be smaller than other babies his age." B. "My baby will be okay as long as he has frequent feedings." C. "My baby will need to stay in the hospital until he weighs 5 pounds." D. "My baby can get cold easily, may have low blood sugar, and may have trouble breathing."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: "My baby will always be smaller than other babies his age." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a misconception or pessimism about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not always be smaller than other babies their age, as they may catch up in growth and development with appropriate nutrition and care. SGA newborns may have diﬀerent growth paterns depending on the cause and timing of their growth restriction.

Choice B Reason: "My baby will be okay as long as he has frequent feedings." This is an incorrect answer that indicates an oversimplification or optimism about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not be okay with just frequent feedings, as they may have other problems or complications that require medical atention and intervention. SGA newborns may have increased nutritional needs and feeding difficulties due to low birth weight, poor suck-swallow coordination, or oral aversion.

Choice C Reason: "My baby will need to stay in the hospital until he weighs 5 pounds." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a misunderstanding or confusion about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not need to stay in the hospital until they weigh 5 pounds, as they may be discharged earlier or later depending on their condition and readiness for home care. SGA newborns may have diﬀerent criteria for discharge based on their gestational age, weight gain, feeding tolerance, temperature stability, and absence of complications.

Choice D Reason: "My baby can get cold easily, may have low blood sugar, and may have trouble breathing." This is because this statement by the parents indicates that they understand some of the common problems and complications that SGA newborns may face. SGA newborns are those who weigh less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, which can be due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or constitutional factors. SGA newborns may have difficulties with thermoregulation, glucose metabolism, and respiratory function due to inadequate fat stores, glycogen reserves, and surfactant production.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In a client's seventh month of pregnancy, she reports feeling "dizzy, like I'm going to pass out, when I lie down ﬂat on my back". The nurse explains that this is due to: Select one:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A term newborn weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces. The nurse assesses that this newborn is small for gestational age (SGA). The nurse knows that teaching has been eﬀective when the parents state: Select one:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is reading the results of non-stress test (NST) strips completed that day. Which of the following strips meets the criteria for a reactive NST? Select one:

Narcotic analgesia is administered to a laboring client at 10:00 a.m. The infant is delivered at 10:35 A.M. The nurse would anticipate that the narcotic analgesia could: Select one:

Obstetrical risks to consider for a pregnant teenager would be all of the following, EXCEPT: Select one:

A woman has just entered the third stage of labor. The nurse would focus care on which of the following? Select one:

A postpartum client has a fourth-degree perineal laceration. The nurse would expect which of the following medications to be ordered? Select one:

A client who is breastfeeding her newborn tells the nurse, "I notice that when I feed him, I feel fairly strong contraction-like pain. Labor is over. Why am I having contractions now?" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? Select one:

Which of the following would the nurse expect to find in a newborn who is developing sepsis? Select one:

Parents have been told their child has fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Which statement by a parent indicates that additional teaching is required? Select one: