ATI RN
Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 32-week pregnant woman is admitted to the hospital in preterm labor. What is the most appropriate intervention to delay delivery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Give magnesium sulfate to inhibit uterine contractions. Magnesium sulfate is used to delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterine muscles, thus decreasing contractions. This intervention helps to delay delivery and give time for other interventions to be implemented, such as administering corticosteroids to promote fetal lung development. Providing an epidural for pain management (B) does not address the issue of preterm labor. Beginning oxytocin infusion (D) would speed up labor, which is not appropriate in this scenario. Administering corticosteroids (A) is a beneficial intervention but should be done after delaying delivery with magnesium sulfate.
Question 2 of 5
A patient in labor is receiving Pitocin to augment contractions. The fetal heart rate shows late decelerations. What is the most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it addresses the potential causes of late decelerations comprehensively. Stopping Pitocin helps to eliminate uteroplacental insufficiency, administering oxygen improves fetal oxygenation, and changing the patient's position can alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord. Each intervention targets a different aspect contributing to late decelerations, making it crucial to implement all of them to optimize fetal well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A woman in labor requests an epidural. What should the nurse assess before administering the epidural?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maternal blood pressure. Before administering an epidural, it is crucial to assess the maternal blood pressure to ensure it is within the normal range. Hypotension can occur as a common side effect of epidural anesthesia, which can lead to decreased placental perfusion and compromise fetal oxygenation. Assessing maternal blood pressure helps in preventing potential complications. Incorrect choices: A: Cervical dilation - Not directly related to the administration of an epidural. C: Fetal heart rate - Important but not the immediate assessment needed before administering an epidural. D: Maternal temperature - While it is important in general assessment, it is not specifically required before giving an epidural.
Question 4 of 5
A woman in labor begins to experience severe lower abdominal pain and is found to have a ruptured uterus. What is the first intervention the nurse should perform?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare the patient for immediate surgery. In the case of a ruptured uterus, prompt surgical intervention is crucial to control bleeding, repair the uterus, and prevent further complications such as hemorrhage and infection. Performing surgery is the priority over other interventions like administering fluids, pain relief medications, or performing a vaginal examination, as these actions do not address the immediate life-threatening situation of uterine rupture. Administering IV fluids may be necessary during surgery, and pain relief can be addressed post-operatively. Vaginal examination is contraindicated in cases of suspected uterine rupture as it can exacerbate the bleeding and worsen the condition.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old patient who is 32 weeks pregnant. After complaining of genital sores and discomfort, the patient tests positive for syphilis. The fetus is at increased risk of which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blindness. Syphilis infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital syphilis, which can cause a range of complications for the fetus, including blindness. The spirochete that causes syphilis can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, leading to various abnormalities. Blindness is a common manifestation of congenital syphilis due to damage to the eyes and optic nerve. The other options are not directly associated with syphilis infection during pregnancy. Diabetes, pneumonia, and hypertension are not typically linked to congenital syphilis and its effects on the fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Blindness.