ATI RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client at 34 weeks' gestation reports regular uterine contractions. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Assess fetal heart rate and contraction pattern. The priority action for a client at 34 weeks' gestation experiencing regular uterine contractions is to assess the fetal well-being to determine if the contractions are affecting the baby. This assessment helps in identifying any signs of fetal distress or compromise. Option A) Encouraging ambulation may be beneficial in some situations to relieve discomfort, but it is not the priority when fetal well-being is at stake. Option B) Performing a sterile vaginal examination is invasive and not indicated as the initial action in this situation. It could potentially introduce infection or cause further irritation. Option D) Administering an analgesic without assessing the fetal status first could mask important signs of distress in the baby, which could be detrimental. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the priority actions in maternal newborn nursing is crucial for providing safe and effective care to both the mother and the baby. Assessing fetal well-being in cases of maternal contractions is a fundamental aspect of monitoring and ensuring a positive outcome for both patients.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client at 20 weeks' gestation who reports leg cramps. What is the most likely cause?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Compression of pelvic nerves. Leg cramps during pregnancy, especially at 20 weeks' gestation, can be attributed to the growing uterus exerting pressure on the pelvic nerves, leading to compression and subsequent leg cramps. This is a common occurrence in pregnancy due to the expanding uterus putting pressure on surrounding structures. Option A) Dehydration is less likely to be the cause of leg cramps in this case, as the physiological changes in pregnancy often lead to an increased need for fluid intake. However, dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps in general. Option B) Calcium deficiency is an important consideration during pregnancy, but it is less likely to be the primary cause of leg cramps at 20 weeks' gestation. Adequate calcium intake is crucial for bone health and muscle function, but in this case, nerve compression is the more likely cause. Option C) Increased blood volume is a normal adaptation during pregnancy, but it is not directly linked to the development of leg cramps. While changes in blood volume can impact circulation and potentially contribute to other symptoms, it is not the primary reason for leg cramps in this context. Educationally, understanding the physiological changes and common discomforts experienced during pregnancy is essential for nurses caring for expectant mothers. Recognizing the causes of symptoms like leg cramps helps nurses provide appropriate education, support, and interventions to promote maternal well-being throughout pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
A client at 34 weeks' gestation is diagnosed with polyhydramnios. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the case of a client at 34 weeks' gestation diagnosed with polyhydramnios, the nurse's priority assessment should be to assess for signs of preterm labor, making option B the correct answer. Polyhydramnios, an excess of amniotic fluid, can increase the risk of preterm labor due to uterine distention and placental compression. By assessing for signs of preterm labor such as regular uterine contractions, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or vaginal bleeding, the nurse can intervene promptly to prevent premature birth and its associated complications. Monitoring maternal blood pressure (option A) is important in prenatal care, but in this specific scenario, the risk of preterm labor takes precedence. Checking for signs of infection (option C) is also important but not the priority when dealing with polyhydramnios and its potential complications. Evaluating fetal heart rate changes (option D) is crucial in many situations, but in this case, assessing for preterm labor is more directly related to the client's current condition and needs. This educational context highlights the critical thinking skills required in maternal newborn nursing to prioritize assessments based on the client's specific condition and potential risks. Nurses must be able to recognize the most urgent needs of their clients to provide timely and appropriate care, especially in high-risk situations such as polyhydramnios during pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is teaching a client about postpartum depression. What statement indicates understanding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of maternal newborn nursing, understanding postpartum depression is crucial for both nurses and clients. Option C, "I should seek help if I feel disconnected from my baby," indicates understanding because postpartum depression can manifest as feelings of disconnection from the baby, among other symptoms. Seeking help is essential for early intervention and effective management. Option A, "It’s normal to feel hopeless for several weeks," is incorrect because while some mood fluctuations are normal postpartum, persistent feelings of hopelessness may indicate a more serious issue like postpartum depression. Option B, "Postpartum depression only occurs in first-time mothers," is incorrect as postpartum depression can affect any mother, regardless of whether it is their first child or not. Option D, "It is caused by a lack of support from family," is incorrect because while lack of support can contribute to postpartum depression, it is not the sole cause as there are multifactorial reasons for its development. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support for mothers experiencing this condition to promote maternal mental health and bonding with the newborn.
Question 5 of 5
A client at 12 weeks' gestation reports mild cramping and spotting. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. The priority intervention in a pregnant client experiencing mild cramping and spotting at 12 weeks' gestation is to notify the healthcare provider promptly. This is crucial because these symptoms could indicate a potential complication such as a threatened miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical assessment and intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Option A, reassuring the client that this is normal, is not the priority as it overlooks the need for a thorough evaluation by the healthcare provider. Option B, encouraging hydration, while important in general prenatal care, is not the priority in this situation where there are concerning symptoms present. Option C, advising the client to avoid heavy lifting, is also not the priority as the focus should be on seeking immediate medical evaluation. From an educational perspective, understanding the significance of timely reporting of any abnormal symptoms during pregnancy is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant clients. This question highlights the importance of prompt assessment and intervention in maternal care to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and the baby. It reinforces the concept that early identification and management of complications in pregnancy are essential in promoting maternal and fetal well-being.