ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a laboring person who has been pushing for several hours without progress. What is the most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: assist with vacuum extraction. This intervention is appropriate when prolonged pushing has not resulted in progress during labor. Vacuum extraction helps facilitate the delivery of the baby by applying suction to the baby's head to assist with pulling them out. It is less invasive than a cesarean section and forceps delivery, making it a safer option in this scenario. Performing a cesarean section (choices A and C) would be considered if vacuum extraction is unsuccessful or contraindicated due to specific factors. Forceps delivery (choice D) is another option but is generally considered more invasive and carries higher risks compared to vacuum extraction.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy and can be alleviated by eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding greasy foods. This strategy helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduces gastric distress. Administering anti-nausea medications (A) should only be considered if conservative measures fail. Instructing the patient to eat larger meals less frequently (B) may worsen symptoms. Encouraging rest and avoiding physical activity (D) may be beneficial but addressing dietary factors is the priority in this case.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is experiencing a headache. What is the most likely cause of a postpartum headache?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinal headache. Postpartum spinal headaches are commonly caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to accidental dural puncture during epidural anesthesia. This can lead to severe headaches that worsen when sitting or standing. Eclampsia (A) presents with hypertension and seizures, not just headaches. Tension headaches (C) are typically stress-related and not specific to the postpartum period. Cluster headaches (D) are characterized by severe pain around the eye and are not commonly associated with childbirth.
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 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.