ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing a laboring person for an epidural. What is the most important nursing intervention before the procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ensure informed consent is signed. Before any procedure, it is crucial to obtain informed consent to ensure the individual understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives. This protects their autonomy and ensures they are making an informed decision. Administering IV fluids (B) is important but not as critical as obtaining consent. Monitoring vital signs (C) is essential but not the most important step before the procedure. Administering pain relief (D) should only be done after ensuring informed consent and assessing the individual's pain level.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 18 weeks gestation who complains of feeling lightheaded when standing. What should the nurse advise the patient to do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because changing positions slowly helps prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness. Sitting down immediately if feeling faint promotes safety and prevents falls. Taking deep breaths and lying flat on the back (choice A) can exacerbate lightheadedness by reducing blood flow to the brain. Increasing fluid intake and avoiding prolonged standing (choice B) may help with other issues but may not directly address the lightheadedness. Taking frequent rests while sitting upright (choice C) does not address the issue of changing positions slowly to prevent lightheadedness.
Question 5 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.