ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assisting with a vaginal delivery. What is the most important action when the fetal head begins to crown?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: apply gentle downward pressure. This action helps prevent rapid delivery, reducing the risk of tearing and allowing the perineum to stretch gradually. It also helps control the delivery, ensuring a safe and controlled birth process. Performing perineal massage (B) is beneficial during the pushing stage but is not the most important action when the head crowns. Performing a vaginal exam (C) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of infection. Assisting with breathing exercises (D) is important during labor but not specifically when the head crowns.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a 36-week pregnant patient who is complaining of sudden and severe headaches. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. Sudden and severe headaches in a pregnant patient could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure. The nurse's priority is to assess for signs of preeclampsia to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Encouraging rest or a warm shower, administering pain medication, or advising hydration do not address the potential underlying issue of preeclampsia and could delay necessary medical intervention.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who reports feeling lightheaded and faint when standing. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods. This recommendation is appropriate for the patient's symptoms of lightheadedness and fainting, which could be due to dehydration or low blood pressure common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake can help maintain adequate blood volume and pressure. Avoiding prolonged standing can prevent pooling of blood in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of dizziness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Taking deep breaths and rising quickly may worsen symptoms by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. C: Complete rest and avoiding physical activity may not address the underlying issue of hydration or blood pressure. D: Sitting upright and avoiding bending forward may not directly address the need for increased fluid intake and reduced standing time.
Question 4 of 5
What is the primary purpose of a non-stress test (NST) during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: to assess fetal heart rate accelerations. An NST is used to monitor the baby's heart rate and movement to ensure adequate oxygen supply. Fetal heart rate accelerations indicate a healthy, responsive baby. Assessing heart rate variability (A) is important but not the primary purpose. Evaluating fetal well-being (B) is broad and doesn't capture the specific focus on heart rate accelerations. Assessing maternal well-being (D) is not the purpose of an NST.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 23-year-old patient who arrives at the clinic for a pregnancy test. The test confirms the patient is pregnant. The patient states, 'I do not need to stop smoking my electronic cigarette because it will not harm my baby.' Which is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, should not be used during pregnancy due to risking nicotine toxicity. Rationale: 1. Nicotine from electronic cigarettes can cross the placenta, affecting fetal development. 2. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes like low birth weight and preterm birth. 3. The best practice during pregnancy is to avoid all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes. Summary: A: Incorrect. Electronic cigarettes can harm the fetus due to nicotine exposure. C: Incorrect. FDA does not consider electronic cigarettes safe during pregnancy. D: Incorrect. Harm from electronic cigarettes is not limited to the first trimester.