ATI RN
Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is conducting an infertility assessment for a newly admitted client. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as affecting the client's fertility?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure is a significant factor affecting fertility as it refers to the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40, leading to infertility due to the depletion of ovarian follicles. This condition results in decreased estrogen production and irregular or absent menstrual cycles, impacting the client's ability to conceive. Option B) Renal calculi, Option C) Dysmenorrhea, and Option D) Recurrent urinary tract infection are incorrect choices for factors affecting fertility. Renal calculi are kidney stones and do not directly impact fertility. Dysmenorrhea is severe menstrual cramps but does not necessarily affect fertility unless it is associated with an underlying condition like endometriosis. Recurrent urinary tract infections, while they can cause discomfort and complications, do not directly influence fertility unless they lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which is not directly mentioned in the question. Educationally, understanding the factors that affect fertility is crucial for nurses working in maternal newborn care. By correctly identifying these factors, nurses can provide appropriate support, education, and referrals for clients experiencing infertility issues. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive infertility assessment to determine the underlying causes and develop a suitable care plan for the client.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a newborn whose mother had gestational diabetes. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Jitteriness as a manifestation of hypoglycemia in a newborn of a mother with gestational diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when the newborn's blood glucose levels are low, which can lead to symptoms like jitteriness due to the brain's sensitivity to glucose levels. Option A) Hypertonia is not typically associated with hypoglycemia but rather with conditions like cerebral palsy. Option C) Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the extremities due to poor circulation and is not directly related to hypoglycemia. Option D) Generalized petechiae is small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin and is not a common manifestation of hypoglycemia in newborns. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in newborns, especially those born to mothers with gestational diabetes, is crucial for nurses working in maternal newborn care. It is essential for nurses to be able to recognize these manifestations promptly to provide appropriate interventions and prevent complications associated with hypoglycemia in newborns.
Question 3 of 5
In evaluating the level of a pregnant woman's risk of having a low-birth-weight (LBW) infant, which factor is the most important for the nurse to consider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In evaluating the level of a pregnant woman's risk of having a low-birth-weight (LBW) infant, the most important factor for the nurse to consider is the pregnant woman's race, specifically African-American race (Option A). This is because research has consistently shown that African-American women are at a higher risk of giving birth to LBW infants compared to women of other races. Cigarette smoking (Option B) is a significant risk factor for LBW infants, but it is not as consistently associated with adverse outcomes as race in this context. Poor nutritional status (Option C) and limited maternal education (Option D) can also contribute to the risk of LBW infants, but they are generally considered secondary factors compared to race and smoking. Educational context: Understanding the factors influencing LBW infants is crucial for nurses in maternal newborn care to provide targeted support and interventions to at-risk populations. By recognizing the disproportionate impact of race on birth outcomes, nurses can advocate for culturally sensitive care and tailored interventions to improve maternal and infant health in high-risk populations.
Question 4 of 5
The nurses working at a newly established birthing center have begun to compare their performance in providing maternal-newborn care against clinical standards. This comparison process is most commonly known as what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Outcomes-oriented practice. Outcomes-oriented practice involves comparing one's performance against established clinical standards to assess the quality of care provided. This process focuses on achieving positive outcomes for patients, which is crucial in maternal-newborn nursing where the health and well-being of both mother and baby are of utmost importance. Option A) Best practices network refers to a collaborative group sharing best practices but does not specifically involve performance comparison against standards. Option B) Clinical benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics with other facilities or standards but may not necessarily focus on outcomes. Option D) Evidence-based practice involves using the best available evidence to make clinical decisions, but it does not directly involve the comparison of one's performance against established standards. Educationally, understanding outcomes-oriented practice is essential for nurses to continuously improve their practice, enhance patient care, and ensure adherence to quality standards in maternal-newborn nursing. By regularly evaluating and comparing their performance against clinical standards, nurses can identify areas for improvement and deliver evidence-based, high-quality care to their patients.
Question 5 of 5
The National Quality Forum has issued a list of 'never events' specifically pertaining to maternal and child health. These include all of the following except:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this question on ethical issues in maternal newborn nursing, the correct answer is option D, "Foreign object retained after surgery," because this does not directly pertain to maternal and child health as outlined by the National Quality Forum's list of 'never events.' Retaining a foreign object after surgery is a serious medical error but is not specific to maternal and child health care. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they directly relate to maternal and child health. Option A highlights the risk of an infant being discharged to the wrong person, which can lead to serious safety concerns for the newborn. Option B addresses the prevention of kernicterus by identifying and treating hyperbilirubinemia, a critical issue in newborn care. Option C focuses on the ethical implications of using the correct donor sperm or egg in artificial insemination procedures to maintain the integrity and accuracy of genetic information in maternal and child health care. Understanding these 'never events' in maternal and child health is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure the safety, well-being, and ethical standards of care for mothers and newborns. By being aware of these specific issues, healthcare professionals can work towards preventing errors and promoting quality care in this specialized area of nursing practice.