ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation who has been diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because monitoring the patient's blood pressure and assessing for signs of worsening preeclampsia is crucial in managing the condition and preventing potential complications. At 36 weeks gestation, close monitoring is essential to detect any changes in the patient's condition promptly. Increasing fluid intake (choice A) may not be recommended for patients with preeclampsia due to the risk of fluid overload. Providing education about managing gestational diabetes (choice C) is irrelevant in this scenario. Administering pain relief (choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of worsening preeclampsia. Prioritizing blood pressure monitoring ensures timely intervention and management of preeclampsia to promote the well-being of both the patient and the baby.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the signs of preterm labor. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because frequent, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less are a classic sign of preterm labor, indicating the need for immediate medical attention. Decreased fetal movement and back pain (choice B) are not specific signs of preterm labor. Mild cramping and occasional vaginal spotting (choice C) could be normal in pregnancy or may indicate other issues, but they are not definitive signs of preterm labor. Headaches and blurred vision (choice D) are more indicative of preeclampsia, a separate condition from preterm labor. Therefore, choice A is the most accurate and specific sign to include in the teaching plan for preterm labor.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports severe heartburn. What should the nurse recommend to relieve symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down after eating. This recommendation helps prevent acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the stomach and ensuring that the stomach is not overly full. Eating smaller meals more frequently prevents the stomach from becoming too full, which can trigger heartburn. Avoiding lying down after eating helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking antacids after every meal can lead to excessive intake and potential side effects. Drinking water immediately after meals may exacerbate heartburn by diluting stomach acid further. Increasing caffeine intake can worsen heartburn symptoms due to its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 32 weeks gestation and reports frequent headaches and nausea. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia. At 32 weeks gestation, headaches and nausea could be symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial as preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure. Assessing for signs of preeclampsia, such as proteinuria or visual disturbances, is essential for timely intervention. Administering anti-nausea medication or encouraging rest without addressing the possibility of preeclampsia could delay necessary treatment. Scheduling a follow-up appointment without immediate assessment could also put the patient at risk if preeclampsia is present.