ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assisting with a vaginal delivery. What is the most important action to take when the fetal head begins to crown?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: apply gentle downward pressure. This action helps prevent the baby from being born too quickly, reducing the risk of tearing for the mother. It also ensures a controlled delivery, decreasing the likelihood of complications such as shoulder dystocia. Administering pain relief (B) or analgesics (C) may be necessary but not the most crucial at this moment. Performing perineal massage (D) is beneficial for reducing the risk of tearing but is not as important as guiding the baby's head during crowning.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with a history of asthma is about to receive an epidural block for pain management during labor. What should the nurse monitor for after the procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory depression. After receiving an epidural block, the nurse should monitor for respiratory depression in a patient with a history of asthma due to the potential for decreased lung function. This is crucial as the medication from the block can affect respiratory drive, leading to compromised breathing. Tachycardia (choice B), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and hyperthermia (choice D) are not typically associated with epidural blocks and are not the primary concerns for a patient with asthma undergoing this procedure.
Question 3 of 5
What procedure might the nurse perform to determine the presentation of the fetus?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ultrasound. Ultrasound is the most accurate and non-invasive method to determine the presentation of the fetus by visualizing the position of the baby in the womb. It allows the nurse to see if the fetus is in a cephalic (head-down) or breech (feet or buttocks down) position. This information is crucial for assessing the progress of labor and planning appropriate interventions. A: Vaginal exam is not typically used to determine fetal presentation as it does not provide a clear view of the baby's position. C: Palpation of contractions helps assess the strength and frequency of contractions but does not directly determine fetal presentation. D: Laboring person interview may provide valuable information about symptoms and history but does not offer direct insight into fetal presentation.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation who has been diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because monitoring the patient's blood pressure and assessing for signs of worsening preeclampsia is crucial in managing the condition and preventing potential complications. At 36 weeks gestation, close monitoring is essential to detect any changes in the patient's condition promptly. Increasing fluid intake (choice A) may not be recommended for patients with preeclampsia due to the risk of fluid overload. Providing education about managing gestational diabetes (choice C) is irrelevant in this scenario. Administering pain relief (choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of worsening preeclampsia. Prioritizing blood pressure monitoring ensures timely intervention and management of preeclampsia to promote the well-being of both the patient and the baby.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation reports occasional dizziness and lightheadedness. What should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The patient's blood pressure and hydration status should be assessed first because dizziness and lightheadedness can be indicative of hypotension or dehydration, common issues during pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure will help determine if the symptoms are related to low blood pressure, and assessing hydration status can identify if the patient needs to increase fluid intake. Summary of other choices: B: Assessing fetal heart rate and activity is important but not the priority in this situation as the focus should be on the maternal health first. C: Checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important for detecting anemia, but it is not the initial assessment for dizziness and lightheadedness. D: Monitoring weight gain and diet history are essential aspects of prenatal care but are not the immediate concerns when a pregnant patient is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness.