ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 30 weeks gestation and reports experiencing dizziness and fainting when standing. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension due to pregnancy-related changes in circulation. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, leading to decreased blood pressure when standing. This can cause dizziness and fainting. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (B) may cause similar symptoms but are less common in pregnant patients. Iron-deficiency anemia (C) typically presents with fatigue and weakness, not dizziness and fainting. Gestational diabetes (D) usually manifests as high blood sugar levels, not low blood pressure leading to dizziness and fainting.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 36 weeks gestation about the signs of labor. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting regular contractions occurring every 5 minutes for 1 hour is a key sign of active labor. This pattern indicates the onset of true labor and the need to seek medical attention. Explanation: 1. Regular contractions every 5 minutes indicate active labor is likely. 2. Sustained contractions for an hour suggest progression of labor. 3. Seeking medical advice is crucial for appropriate management. Incorrect Choices: B. Incorrect. Staying hydrated is important during labor to prevent dehydration. C. Incorrect. Losing the mucous plug is a sign of early labor, not an emergency. D. Incorrect. Painful contractions are not the sole indicator of active labor; regularity is key.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of prenatal vitamins. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will take prenatal vitamins throughout the pregnancy to support my baby's growth." This statement indicates effective teaching because prenatal vitamins are essential for the entire duration of pregnancy to support the developing baby's growth and development. Prenatal vitamins contain key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium that are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins only during the first trimester (option A) may not provide adequate support for the baby's growth during the entire pregnancy. Option C is incorrect because prenatal vitamins are recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of their family history of birth defects. Option D is incorrect because stopping prenatal vitamins after the baby is born does not align with the need to support the mother's postpartum health and potential breastfeeding needs.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports back pain. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because performing light stretching exercises and maintaining good posture can help alleviate back pain in pregnancy. Stretching helps to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility, while good posture reduces strain on the back. Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on the back can decrease blood flow to the uterus and may lead to dizziness and decreased oxygen supply to the fetus. Choice C is incorrect because not all over-the-counter pain medications are safe during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication. Choice D is incorrect because prolonged bed rest can actually worsen back pain and may lead to other complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Staying active within limits is recommended during pregnancy.