ATI RN
Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who is diagnosed with anemia. What is the nurse's priority teaching for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Iron supplements should be taken with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice, to maximize absorption and effectiveness in treating anemia. Iron absorption is hindered by calcium-rich foods and milk, so options A and D are incorrect. Option C is also incorrect as iron supplementation is crucial during pregnancy to prevent and treat anemia.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports dizziness and faintness when standing. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids and avoid standing for long periods. This intervention addresses the symptoms of dizziness and faintness by preventing dehydration and orthostatic hypotension common during pregnancy. Fluid intake maintains blood volume, reducing the risk of hypotension. Avoiding prolonged standing helps prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities. Choices B and C could exacerbate symptoms by causing sudden changes in blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect as iron supplements do not directly address the immediate issue of dizziness and faintness related to dehydration and orthostatic hypotension during pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 22 weeks gestation and has a history of gestational hypertension. What should the nurse monitor most closely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protein in the urine to assess for preeclampsia. The nurse should closely monitor protein in the urine because the patient has a history of gestational hypertension, which puts her at risk for developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Monitoring protein in the urine helps detect early signs of preeclampsia, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if left untreated. Blood glucose levels (A) are not the priority in this case, as the patient's history indicates a higher risk for preeclampsia. Fetal heart rate (C) and daily weight gain (D) are important aspects to monitor during pregnancy; however, in this scenario, the focus should be on detecting signs of preeclampsia due to the patient's history of gestational hypertension.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation is experiencing severe swelling in her hands and feet. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action to take first is to assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia (Answer A). Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ dysfunction. In this scenario, the patient's severe swelling could be indicative of preeclampsia, which poses a risk to both the mother and the fetus. By assessing blood pressure and looking for other signs of preeclampsia, the nurse can determine the urgency of the situation and take appropriate actions to manage the condition. Encouraging leg elevation and rest (Answer B) may help alleviate some symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of the swelling. Monitoring urine output (Answer C) is important for overall assessment but does not address the immediate concern of potential preeclampsia. Scheduling an ultrasound (Answer D) is not the priority in this situation as it does not provide information about the patient's current condition and does not address the
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 24 weeks gestation and reports pain in her lower abdomen and back. What is the nurse's first priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient for signs of preterm labor, including regular contractions. At 24 weeks gestation, lower abdomen and back pain could be indicative of preterm labor. Therefore, the nurse's first priority should be to assess the patient for signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge. This is crucial to determine if the patient and the fetus are in any immediate danger. Administering pain medication (choice A), instructing relaxation techniques (choice C), or encouraging exercise (choice D) are not appropriate initial actions as they do not address the potential serious issue of preterm labor.