ATI RN
Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient on the importance of folic acid. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking folic acid throughout the entire pregnancy is crucial for supporting fetal development, especially in the early stages when the neural tube is forming. This statement reflects the patient's understanding of the importance of consistent folic acid intake during pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because waiting until after the first trimester misses the critical period when the neural tube develops. Choice C is incorrect as folic acid is recommended for all pregnant women regardless of family history. Choice D is incorrect because while folic acid is beneficial for fetal development, it is not specifically linked to reducing the risk of gestational diabetes or hypertension.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports swelling in her legs and feet. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to elevate her legs and rest regularly. This intervention is appropriate because elevating the legs helps reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation in the lower extremities. Resting regularly also helps reduce the strain on the circulatory system. Choice B is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can exacerbate fluid retention and swelling. Choice C is incorrect because administering diuretics during pregnancy can pose risks to the fetus and should only be done under medical supervision. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and is not recommended during pregnancy, especially when experiencing swelling.
Question 4 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 5 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.