ATI RN
External Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient in labor begins to experience significant vaginal bleeding. What is the first step the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for a cord prolapse. This is the first step because cord prolapse is a critical emergency that can lead to fetal compromise. By checking for cord prolapse, the nurse can quickly assess the situation and take appropriate actions to relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen (choice A) may be necessary later but not the first step. Performing a vaginal examination (choices C and D) can exacerbate the situation by pushing the cord further into the birth canal.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is in labor with her first child. The patient's mother is present for support and notes that things have changed in the delivery room since she last gave birth in the early 1980s. Which current trend or intervention may the patient's mother find most different?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 1. The correct answer is D: Hospital support for breastfeeding. This is the most different trend compared to the early 1980s. 2. In the past, breastfeeding support in hospitals was minimal, but now it is a standard practice to provide education and assistance. 3. Fetal monitoring throughout labor (A) has been a common practice for many years and is not a recent trend. 4. Postpartum stay of 10 days (B) is excessive; postpartum stays have actually become shorter over time. 5. Having expectant partners and family in the operating room for cesarean birth (C) is a more recent practice but has become increasingly common in recent years.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is educating the pregnant patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 33. The nurse knows that teaching has been effective when the patient states which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "My child may be at increased risk for birth injury." This is correct because a pregnant patient with a BMI of 33 is considered obese, which can increase the risk of birth injury to the baby due to complications such as macrosomia (large birth weight). Explanation: 1. Obesity in pregnancy can lead to complications such as macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and birth trauma. 2. Higher BMI can also increase the risk of cesarean delivery, which may be necessary to prevent birth injuries. 3. Childhood diabetes risk is not decreased with maternal obesity. 4. Mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean) is not solely determined by BMI. 5. Gestational hypertension risk is actually higher in women with obesity. In summary, choice A is correct because it directly relates to the increased risk of birth injury associated with maternal obesity, while the other choices are not directly linked to the patient's BMI and pregnancy complications.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is counseling a pregnant patient who is concerned about gestational diabetes. The patient has a family history of diabetes and is overweight. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because gestational diabetes can indeed cause excessive birth weight, leading to delivery complications such as shoulder dystocia and cesarean section. This is important for the patient to be aware of to ensure the health and safety of both herself and her baby. Choice A is incorrect because gestational diabetes can persist after delivery and may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the baby. Choice C is incorrect because pregnant women with gestational diabetes still need carbohydrates for proper nutrition; however, they should monitor their carbohydrate intake and choose complex carbohydrates to manage blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect because having gestational diabetes does increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It is important for the patient to understand this potential risk and take steps to manage their health accordingly.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient in the second trimester who is complaining of leg cramps. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Elevating her legs while resting helps improve circulation and reduce the risk of leg cramps in pregnant patients. This position promotes blood flow and reduces the pressure on the blood vessels. Choices A and D do not directly address improving circulation or reducing pressure on blood vessels. Choice C, while beneficial in general, may not provide immediate relief for the current leg cramps. Therefore, elevating the legs while resting is the most appropriate intervention for the pregnant patient experiencing leg cramps in the second trimester.