ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 26-year-old pregnant woman who is 12 weeks gestation asks the nurse about the importance of folic acid. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the spine and brain. Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy as it plays a key role in neural tube development, reducing the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. This is supported by research and guidelines. B: Folic acid does not influence the gender of the baby, as it is determined by the father's sperm. C: Folic acid does not directly prevent nausea during pregnancy; it is mainly for neural tube development. D: Folic acid does not specifically help the placenta attach to the uterus; that process is regulated by other factors. In summary, choice A is correct as it directly relates to the essential role of folic acid in preventing birth defects, while the other choices are unrelated or inaccurate in the context of folic acid's benefits during pregnancy.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 38-week pregnant patient who is experiencing a decrease in fetal movement. Which of the following should be the nurse's first action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to drink a cold beverage and lie down. This is the correct action as it promotes fetal movement by stimulating the baby with a change in temperature and position. It is a non-invasive and immediate measure that can be taken by the patient herself. Choice B is incorrect because waiting 24 hours could delay necessary intervention if the fetus is in distress. Choice C is incorrect as ordering an ultrasound may not be the most immediate or necessary action at this point. Choice D is incorrect as calling the healthcare provider immediately may not be necessary if the issue can be resolved by the patient changing her position and trying to stimulate fetal movement first.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and is diagnosed with mild preeclampsia. Which of the following should be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor blood pressure and assess for protein in the urine. This is crucial in the care of a pregnant patient with mild preeclampsia at 30 weeks gestation. Monitoring blood pressure helps in assessing the severity of the condition and guiding treatment. Assessing for protein in the urine confirms the diagnosis and helps in monitoring kidney function and overall disease progression. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Administering magnesium sulfate is typically indicated for severe preeclampsia to prevent seizures, not mild preeclampsia. C: Encouraging rest and restricted activity can help manage symptoms but is not a primary intervention for mild preeclampsia. D: Daily blood glucose monitoring is important for gestational diabetes, not specifically for mild preeclampsia.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 35 weeks gestation and reports sharp abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Call the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for further assessment. This is the priority action because sharp abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement at 35 weeks gestation could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or fetal distress. Calling the healthcare provider promptly allows for timely intervention and assessment to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Encouraging the patient to drink water and rest (choice A) may not address the underlying issue. Monitoring fetal heart rate and performing a nonstress test (choice C) may be important but not as immediate as contacting the healthcare provider. Asking the patient to lie on her left side and wait for symptoms to resolve (choice D) delays necessary medical evaluation and intervention.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and has a BMI of 32. Which of the following complications should the nurse monitor for more closely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. A pregnant patient with a BMI of 32 is considered obese, which increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Gestational diabetes is more likely in overweight women and can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. Preeclampsia is also more common in obese women and can result in high blood pressure and organ damage. Monitoring for these complications is crucial to ensure the well-being of both the mother and baby. Incorrect choices: B: Hyperemesis gravidarum and miscarriage - These complications are not directly related to the patient's weight or BMI. C: Iron-deficiency anemia and urinary tract infections - While these complications can occur in pregnancy, they are not specifically associated with the patient's BMI. D: Gestational hypertension and placenta previa - While gestational hypertension can be a concern in obese patients, placenta previa is not directly linked to