ATI RN
Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of folic acid during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Choice B is correct because folic acid is indeed important for preventing neural tube defects in the baby's brain and spine. These defects can occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, emphasizing the need for sufficient folic acid intake throughout pregnancy. Incorrect Choices: A: Stopping folic acid after the first trimester is not recommended as neural tube development occurs early in pregnancy. C: While a healthy diet is important, it may not provide enough folic acid during pregnancy, hence supplements are often recommended. D: Family history of birth defects is not the sole indication for taking folic acid, as all pregnant women benefit from its preventive effects.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling of the face and hands. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. At 36 weeks gestation, sudden swelling of the face and hands can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure and assessing for other signs of preeclampsia, such as headache or vision changes, is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Summary: B: Instructing the patient to rest and elevate her feet may provide some relief for swelling but does not address the underlying potential issue of preeclampsia. C: Recommending increased water intake may not be appropriate if the swelling is due to preeclampsia and can worsen the condition. D: Administering diuretics without proper assessment and diagnosis of preeclampsia can be harmful and is not the initial priority action.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation who reports occasional dizziness and fainting. What should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The patient's blood pressure and hydration status. This is the priority because dizziness and fainting can be signs of hypotension or dehydration, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Checking blood pressure and hydration status will help determine if these symptoms are related to these issues. B: Assessing fetal heart rate and activity levels is important but not the priority in this scenario as the patient's symptoms are more likely related to her own health rather than the fetus. C: Checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important for assessing anemia but is not the immediate concern in a patient experiencing dizziness and fainting. D: Weight gain and diet history are important aspects of prenatal care but are not the priority when dealing with symptoms of dizziness and fainting.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation reports pain in the lower abdomen and back. What is the nurse's first priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient for signs of preterm labor, including regular contractions. At 24 weeks gestation, lower abdominal and back pain can indicate preterm labor, a serious complication. The nurse's first priority should be to assess for signs such as regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge. Prompt identification of preterm labor allows for timely interventions to prevent preterm birth and its associated risks. Administering pain relief (choice A) without assessing for preterm labor can delay necessary interventions. Recommending rest and heat application (choice C) may not address the underlying cause of the pain. Instructing the patient to lie flat on her back (choice D) may worsen symptoms and is not recommended in pregnancy.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 30 weeks gestation about safe physical activity. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in moderate exercise like walking or swimming is safe and beneficial for pregnant women at 30 weeks gestation. Moderate exercise helps maintain health, improves circulation, reduces stress, and prepares the body for labor. Strenuous exercise (A) can be risky and may lead to complications. Avoiding all physical activity (C) can result in deconditioning and potential complications. High-impact exercises (D) can be too intense and pose a risk of injury during pregnancy. Prioritizing moderate exercise aligns with current guidelines for safe physical activity during pregnancy.