A labor and birth nurse receives a call from the laboratory regarding a preeclamptic patient receiving an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate. The laboratory technician reports that the patient’s magnesium level is 6 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority action?

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Question 1 of 5

A labor and birth nurse receives a call from the laboratory regarding a preeclamptic patient receiving an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate. The laboratory technician reports that the patient’s magnesium level is 6 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop the infusion of magnesium. A magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is above the therapeutic range (4-7 mg/dL) for preeclamptic patients receiving magnesium sulfate. Continuing the infusion can lead to magnesium toxicity, causing respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and neuromuscular blockade. Stopping the infusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Assessing the patient's respiratory rate (B) and deep tendon reflexes (C) are important, but stopping the infusion takes priority to prevent harm. Notifying the health care provider (D) is important but may delay immediate action to address the high magnesium level.

Question 2 of 5

Examination of a newborn in the birth room reveals bilateral cataracts. Which disease process in the maternal history would likely cause this abnormality?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rubella. Rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, which includes bilateral cataracts as a characteristic feature. Rubella virus can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can also cause congenital cataracts, but rubella is more commonly associated with this abnormality. Syphilis can cause other congenital abnormalities but not bilateral cataracts. HIV does not typically lead to bilateral cataracts in newborns.

Question 3 of 5

Which types of nurses make the best communicatorswith patients?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Those who develop critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills enable nurses to assess situations, analyze information, and communicate effectively with patients. By using critical thinking, nurses can tailor their communication style to each patient's needs, leading to better understanding and rapport. A: Learning effective psychomotor skills is important but does not directly correlate with being a good communicator. C: Liking different kinds of people is beneficial for interpersonal relationships, but it does not necessarily make one a better communicator. D: Maintaining perceptual biases hinders effective communication as it can lead to misunderstandings and barriers in the communication process.

Question 4 of 5

A smiling patient angrily states, “I will notcough and deep breathe.” How will the nurse interpret this finding?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's affect, which refers to their emotional expression, is inappropriate. The patient is smiling while expressing anger, which is a contradiction. This inconsistency indicates a possible underlying issue such as emotional distress or confusion. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is not about the patient's understanding of the term "cough and deep breathe." Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of personal space violation. Choice D is incorrect as the issue is not related to the patient's vocabulary but rather their emotional expression.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse is taking a history on a patient whocannot speak English. Which action will the nurse take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain an interpreter. This is the best action as it ensures effective communication and accurate understanding of the patient's history and needs. Using a professional interpreter maintains confidentiality, avoids misinterpretation, and promotes cultural sensitivity. Referring to a speech therapist (B) is not appropriate for language barriers. Letting a family member talk (C) may compromise privacy and accuracy. Finding a mental health nurse specialist (D) is not needed for language translation.

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