ATI RN
Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 30-year-old pregnant patient is at 36 weeks gestation and expresses concerns about swelling in her legs. Which of the following assessments is most important for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Examine the legs for any signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). At 36 weeks gestation, pregnant women are at higher risk for DVT due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus. DVT can be life-threatening if not detected early. Assessing for any signs of DVT such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pain in the legs is crucial for prompt intervention. Incorrect choices: A: Assessing weight gain is important but not the priority in this situation where DVT is a concern. C: Instructing the patient to elevate her legs and rest can help with swelling but does not address the potential serious complication of DVT. D: Evaluating dietary intake of sodium is not the priority in this situation where DVT is a concern.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which of the following interventions should be implemented first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because instructing the patient to follow a diabetic diet and monitor blood glucose levels is the initial intervention for managing gestational diabetes. This step is crucial in controlling blood glucose levels and preventing complications for both the mother and the baby. Administering insulin (option A) may be necessary but is not the first step. Scheduling a cesarean delivery (option C) is not indicated unless there are specific obstetric indications. Starting the patient on antihypertensive medications (option D) is not relevant for managing gestational diabetes unless the patient also has hypertension.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who has a BMI of 30. Which of the following complications is the patient at increased risk for during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. A pregnant patient with a BMI of 30 is considered obese, increasing the risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Obesity is a known risk factor for these complications due to the increased strain on the body's systems. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby if not managed properly. The other choices (B, C, D) are not directly associated with obesity or a BMI of 30 during pregnancy, making them incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is providing prenatal education to a pregnant patient about the signs of labor. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regular contractions every 5 minutes for 1 hour. This is a sign of active labor and indicates that the patient should seek immediate medical attention. Contractions at this frequency and duration suggest that labor is progressing and the patient should go to the hospital. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of active labor and do not require immediate medical attention. Feeling pressure in the lower abdomen may be a normal part of pregnancy. A bloody show or loss of the mucous plug can be early signs of labor but do not require immediate attention unless accompanied by other symptoms. A sudden increase in fetal movements is generally considered a positive sign of fetal well-being.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about warning signs to report during pregnancy. Which of the following statements indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because sudden increase in swelling, especially in hands and face, can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition during pregnancy. Swelling in these areas can be a sign of fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Prompt reporting and intervention are crucial to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Waiting until after the due date to report concerns can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. C: Changes in fetal movement should be reported immediately, not just after the third trimester, as they can indicate fetal distress. D: Headaches and blurry vision, even if not severe, can be symptoms of preeclampsia or other serious conditions that require immediate attention. Waiting for symptoms to worsen can be harmful.