ATI RN
External Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is at risk for hemorrhage. What is the most appropriate action to prevent postpartum hemorrhage?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: administer uterotonic medications. Administering uterotonic medications helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions, which helps to control bleeding. The step-by-step rationale for this answer is as follows: 1. Uterotonic medications, such as oxytocin or misoprostol, are recommended as a prophylactic measure to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. 2. These medications help the uterus to contract, which compresses blood vessels and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding. 3. Administering uterotonic medications is a proactive approach to managing postpartum hemorrhage in high-risk individuals. Summary: Monitoring vital signs (choice A) is important but does not directly prevent hemorrhage. Assessing uterine tone (choice C) is helpful but may not be sufficient in preventing hemorrhage. Performing fundal massage (choice D) can help manage hemorrhage but is not as effective as administering ut
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing a laboring person for a cesarean birth. What is the priority action before the procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: administer IV fluids. Before a cesarean birth, IV fluids are crucial to maintain hydration and prevent hypotension due to anesthesia. Administering IV fluids helps stabilize the person's blood pressure during the procedure, reducing the risk of complications. A is incorrect because informed consent should be obtained earlier in the process. B is incorrect as preoperative medication is typically given closer to the procedure start time. D is incorrect as administering a sedative may affect the person's ability to participate in decision-making and care during the procedure. Administering IV fluids is the priority to ensure the person's safety and well-being during the cesarean birth.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is at risk for uterine atony. What is the most important intervention to prevent uterine atony?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: perform fundal massage. Fundal massage helps stimulate uterine contractions and prevents uterine atony by promoting uterine firmness and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. It is a non-invasive intervention that can be done immediately after delivery to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Administering uterotonic medications (Choice A) may be necessary in severe cases but fundal massage is the initial intervention. Performing a vaginal exam (Choice C) is not indicated unless there are specific concerns or indications. Monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important but addressing uterine atony requires more direct intervention like fundal massage.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is experiencing fetal tachycardia. What is the most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Administer oxygen Rationale: Fetal tachycardia indicates the fetus is not getting enough oxygen. Administering oxygen to the laboring person will help increase oxygen levels in their blood, leading to better oxygen supply to the fetus and potentially improving the fetal heart rate. Summary of Other Choices: B: Administering IV fluids may be helpful in some cases, but it is not the priority when dealing with fetal tachycardia. C: While monitoring maternal vital signs is important, addressing the fetal tachycardia and oxygen supply to the fetus takes precedence. D: Continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate is essential, but administering oxygen should be the immediate intervention to address the underlying issue of oxygen deficiency.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is in the first stage of labor. What is the priority assessment during this stage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: monitor fetal heart rate. During the first stage of labor, assessing the fetal heart rate is crucial to ensure the well-being of the baby. It helps detect any signs of distress or complications early on. Monitoring the mother's health is also important, but ensuring the baby's safety takes precedence. Assessing cervical dilation (B) is important but not the priority in the early stage. Assisting with positioning (C) can help progress labor but is secondary to monitoring fetal well-being. Administering an epidural (D) is not a priority assessment but a pain management intervention.