Which of the following is the priority nursing action for a client at 33 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placenta previa?

Insert an IV catheter.

Monitor vaginal bleeding.

Apply an external fetal monitor.

Administer glucocorticoids.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:
Inserting an IV catheter is a standard procedure in many hospital admissions and can be necessary for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the immediate priority in the case of placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, and the main risk associated with it is bleeding.

Choice B reason:
Monitoring vaginal bleeding is the priority nursing action for a client with placenta previa. This condition can lead to significant bleeding, which can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. The nurse must assess the amount, color, and duration of any bleeding to make timely decisions regarding the need for further medical intervention or potential delivery if the bleeding is severe.

Choice C reason:
Applying an external fetal monitor is important to assess the fetus's well-being, especially if there is vaginal bleeding or other complications. However, it is not the first action to take. The immediate concern with placenta previa is the risk of hemorrhage, which can compromise the oxygen supply to the fetus, making monitoring maternal bleeding a higher priority.

Choice D reason:
Administering glucocorticoids may be indicated to accelerate fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery is anticipated. While this is an important consideration in the management of placenta previa, especially if there is a risk of preterm birth, it is not the first line of action. The initial focus should be on assessing and controlling any bleeding to stabilize the mother's condition.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Mongolian spots are a type of pigmented birthmark commonly found in newborns, often appearing as blue or grayish areas on the skin. They are not related to swelling and do not result from vacuum-assisted deliveries. Mongolian spots are usually located on the buttocks or lower back and are not associated with the type of swelling described by the mother.

Choice b reason:
Caput succedaneum is a condition where the newborn's scalp swells due to pressure during delivery. It is characterized by a soft, spongy mass that crosses suture lines and is most apparent on the part of the skull that was first to enter the birth canal. This condition is common in vacuum-assisted deliveries and is the correct explanation for the swelling observed on the newborn's head.

Choice c reason:
Erythema toxicum is a common and benign skin condition in newborns, presenting as red patches or small, fluid-filled bumps. It is not related to the swelling described and does not result from vacuum-assisted deliveries. Erythema toxicum typically resolves on its own and does not cause the type of swelling that crosses suture lines.

Choice d reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between a newborn's scalp and the skull bone that results from ruptured blood vessels, which can be a result of birth trauma or pressure. However, it is typically confined to one area and does not cross suture lines. Since the swelling described by the mother crosses the suture lines, cephalohematoma is less likely to be the correct diagnosis.

A. Absence of vitamin K B. Physiologic jaundice C. Maternal cocaine abuse D. Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Vitamin K deficiency in newborns can cause bleeding disorders due to impaired clotting, but it does not cause jaundice. Jaundice is related to bilirubin metabolism, not coagulation pathways.

Choice B rationale: Physiologic jaundice typically appears after 24 hours of life due to immature liver function. Jaundice observed immediately at birth suggests a pathologic cause, not physiologic immaturity.

Choice C rationale: Maternal cocaine abuse may cause neonatal irritability, tremors, or growth restriction, but it is not directly linked to jaundice. Cocaine affects neurobehavioral outcomes, not bilirubin metabolism.

Choice D rationale: Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility (e.g., ABO or Rh) causes hemolysis of fetal red blood cells, leading to elevated bilirubin levels and jaundice within the first 24 hours—hallmark of pathologic jaundice.

View Question and Answer

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

Which of the following is the priority nursing action for a client at 33 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placenta previa?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a newborn delivered by vaginal birth with vacuum assist. The newborn's mother asks about the swollen area on her son's head. After palpation to identify that the swelling crosses the suture line, which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a term newborn following a cesarean birth. The nurse observes that the newborn's skin is slightly yellow. This finding indicates the newborn is experiencing a complication related to which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to identify as consistent with the diagnosis?

A nurse is caring for a newborn 4 hours after birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to prevent jaundice?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is suspected of having a hydatidiform mole. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe in this client?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about reducing perineal infection with a client following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is completing a health history for a client who is at 6 weeks of gestation. The client informs the nurse that she smokes one pack of cigarettes per day. The nurse should advise the client that smoking places the client's newborn at risk for which of the following complications?

A nurse is caring for a client during the first trimester of pregnancy. After reviewing the client's blood work, the nurse notices she does not have immunity to rubella. Which of the following times should the nurse understand is recommended for rubella immunization?