Question 71.
A nurse is caring for a client who has gestational diabetes and is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 37 weeks of gestation due to suspected fetal compromise.
What is the nurse’s best response to the client’s question as to why the amniocentesis test is being done?.
“To determine fetal lung maturity.”.
“To assess the degree of fetal renal function.”.
“To test the amniotic fluid glucose level.”.
“To detect the presence of fetal congenital anomalies.”.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. “To determine fetal lung maturity.” An amniocentesis at 37 weeks of gestation can be done to measure the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in the amniotic fluid, which indicates the level of surfactant production and the readiness of the fetal lungs for breathing. A low L/S ratio can indicate fetal compromise due to gestational diabetes.
Choice B is wrong because fetal renal function is not assessed by amniocentesis, but by ultrasound or biophysical profile.
Choice C is wrong because amniotic fluid glucose level is not a reliable indicator of fetal well-being or gestational diabetes control.
Choice D is wrong because congenital anomalies are usually detected earlier in pregnancy by ultrasound, maternal serum screening, or chorionic villus sampling.
Normal ranges for L/S ratio are 2:1 or higher for term fetuses and 1.5:1 or higher for preterm fetuses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) which can affect the placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation.
The nurse should monitor the patient’s blood pressure frequently and intervene if it drops below the baseline.
Choice A is wrong because assessing the patient’s urine for acetone is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.Acetone in urine can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to lack of insulin.
However, this is not related to epidural anesthesia.
Choice B is wrong because monitoring the patient’s deep tendon reflexes is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.Deep tendon reflexes can be affected by magnesium sulfate, a medication used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy).
However, this is not related to epidural anesthesia.
Choice C is wrong because assessing the patient’s pupillary accommodation is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.
Pupillary accommodation is the ability of the eye to adjust its focus from distant to near objects.It can be impaired by drugs that affect the nervous system, such as opioids or anticholinergics.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
he correct answer is choice D. Keep the infant well hydrated.This is because phototherapy can cause dehydration due to increased insensible water loss from the skin.Hydration helps the infant excrete bilirubin in urine and stool.
Choice A is wrong because elevating the head of the infant’s crib does not affect bilirubin levels or phototherapy effectiveness.
Choice B is wrong because applying a water-soluble ointment to the infant’s eyes can interfere with eye protection and cause eye irritation.The infant’s eyes should be covered with opaque patches or goggles during phototherapy to prevent eye damage.
Choice C is wrong because dressing the infant in a long-sleeved shirt reduces the amount of skin exposed to light and decreases the efficacy of phototherapy.The infant should be undressed except for a diaper and eye protection during phototherapy.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels vary depending on the age of the infant, the type of jaundice, and the method of measurement.Generally, bilirubin levels above 25 mg/dL are considered dangerous and require urgent treatment.
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