ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who is experiencing severe leg cramps. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because gentle stretching exercises help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, alleviating leg cramps. Elevating the legs can also help reduce swelling and promote blood flow. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is essential for muscle function, it is not the primary intervention for acute leg cramps. Choice C may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the cramps. Choice D should be avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary due to potential risks to the fetus.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation reports feeling short of breath when lying flat. What is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because instructing the patient to rest in an upright position helps reduce pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better lung expansion and improved breathing capacity. This position can alleviate the shortness of breath experienced when lying flat due to the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm. Option A is incorrect because lying on the left side may not alleviate the pressure on the diaphragm as effectively as an upright position. Option B may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Option D focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the positional discomfort caused by the pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
During the first stage of labor, what is the primary goal of nursing care in the early phase?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because during the early phase of labor, the primary goal of nursing care is to promote relaxation and provide comfort measures to help the mother cope with contractions and manage pain. This helps create a calm and supportive environment, enhancing the progress of labor. Administering pain medication (A) may be necessary later, not necessarily in the early phase. Monitoring fetal heart rate continuously (B) is important but not the primary goal in the early phase. Preparing for imminent delivery (D) is premature in the early phase, as labor can be lengthy.
Question 4 of 5
A birthing person who delivered a newborn vaginally is receiving care in the labor and birth unit. The health-care provider diagnosed a retained placenta. What is the primary risk associated with a retained placenta?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary risk associated with a retained placenta is postpartum hemorrhage. When the placenta does not deliver completely after childbirth, it can lead to excessive bleeding, risking the mother's health. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications. Neonatal jaundice, delayed bonding, and postpartum anemia are not directly linked to a retained placenta, making them incorrect choices. Neonatal jaundice is caused by elevated bilirubin levels, delayed bonding is related to emotional factors, and postpartum anemia is characterized by low red blood cell count, none of which are the primary risk associated with a retained placenta.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a postpartum person who has difficulty initiating breastfeeding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: administer pain relief. Pain can be a common barrier to initiating breastfeeding. By providing pain relief, the postpartum person may feel more comfortable and be better able to initiate breastfeeding. Hand expression (A) may not address the underlying issue of pain. Offering additional support and education (C) may be beneficial but addressing pain is more urgent. Administering a breast pump (D) is not necessary at this stage unless there are specific indications.