ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is experiencing fetal bradycardia. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: administer oxygen. Fetal bradycardia indicates reduced oxygen supply to the fetus, so providing oxygen to the laboring person can help increase oxygen levels for the fetus. This intervention is crucial to prevent further complications. Increasing fluid intake (A) may not address the immediate issue of fetal distress. Monitoring fetal heart rate continuously (C) is important but not the priority when immediate intervention is needed. Placing the laboring person on their left side (D) can help optimize fetal oxygenation, but administering oxygen is more direct and effective in this situation.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assisting with a vaginal delivery. What is the most important nursing intervention when the fetal head begins to crown?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: apply gentle downward pressure. This intervention helps prevent rapid expulsion of the baby, reducing the risk of perineal tears and minimizing maternal discomfort. It also helps control the delivery process, ensuring a safe and controlled birth. Incorrect Choices: B: Perineal massage is not indicated at the crowning stage as it may interfere with the natural birthing process. C: Administering pain relief should have been addressed earlier in labor and is not a priority at this stage. D: Administering IV fluids is important for hydration but is not the most critical intervention when the fetal head is crowning.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. What is the most important nursing action to reduce the risk?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: administer IV fluids. IV fluids help maintain adequate circulating volume, preventing hypovolemia which is a major risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. This action supports blood pressure and perfusion to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. Administering oxytocin (A) helps with uterine contraction but does not address the underlying issue of hypovolemia. Administering an epidural (C) is not directly related to preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal massage (D) is important but not the most critical action in reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a laboring person who is receiving oxytocin for labor induction. What is the most important intervention to prevent uterine hyperstimulation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: increase fetal monitoring. Monitoring the fetus closely is crucial to detect signs of uterine hyperstimulation, such as non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns. This allows for timely interventions to prevent fetal distress or hypoxia. Monitoring contractions (choice D) is important but does not directly address fetal well-being. Administering an epidural (choice C) may help manage pain but does not prevent uterine hyperstimulation. While monitoring fetal heart rate (choice A) is important, increasing the frequency of monitoring (choice B) is more specific to detecting complications related to oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing a laboring person for an epidural. What is the most important intervention before the procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: check for allergies to anesthesia. Before administering an epidural, it is crucial to check for any allergies to anesthesia to prevent potential allergic reactions. This step ensures the safety and well-being of the laboring person. Informed consent (choice A) is important but not the most critical step before an epidural. Proper positioning (choice B) is essential during the procedure but not the top priority before it. Educating on wound care (choice D) is not directly relevant to preparing for an epidural.