ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 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.
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
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who reports feeling lightheaded and faint when standing. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods. This recommendation is appropriate for the patient's symptoms of lightheadedness and fainting, which could be due to dehydration or low blood pressure common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake can help maintain adequate blood volume and pressure. Avoiding prolonged standing can prevent pooling of blood in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of dizziness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Taking deep breaths and rising quickly may worsen symptoms by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. C: Complete rest and avoiding physical activity may not address the underlying issue of hydration or blood pressure. D: Sitting upright and avoiding bending forward may not directly address the need for increased fluid intake and reduced standing time.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing a postpartum person for discharge after a vaginal birth. What is the most important aspect of discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: offer emotional support. This is crucial as postpartum can be a challenging time emotionally. Providing emotional support helps the person cope with any feelings of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm. Breastfeeding (B) and positioning assistance (C) are important but not the most critical aspect of discharge teaching. Non-pharmacological pain relief (D) is important but not as crucial as emotional support for overall well-being.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant woman who is 28 weeks gestation reports that she feels dizzy and faint when she stands up. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, instructing the pregnant woman to get up slowly and avoid standing for long periods. This is because during pregnancy, blood pressure can drop when standing up quickly, leading to dizziness and fainting. Getting up slowly allows the body to adjust gradually, preventing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Standing for long periods can worsen these symptoms, so it is important to avoid prolonged standing. A: Lying down flat on the back immediately can worsen symptoms in this case by reducing blood flow to the brain. B: Standing up quickly can exacerbate dizziness and fainting by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. C: Drinking a large amount of water may not address the underlying issue of postural hypotension and could potentially worsen symptoms by increasing blood volume without addressing the drop in blood pressure.