ATI RN
Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient in labor is undergoing an epidural block and develops hypotension. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action is to increase intravenous fluids (Choice A). This will help improve the patient's blood volume and subsequently increase blood pressure. Trendelenburg position (Choice B) is not recommended due to potential complications. Administering oxygen (Choice C) may be helpful but doesn't directly address the hypotension. Notifying the physician (Choice D) is important but addressing hypotension promptly is the priority. Increasing fluids helps address the underlying cause of hypotension in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A 24-year-old patient is in labor and requests pain relief. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient who is in the active phase of labor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer an epidural block. In the active phase of labor, the pain is typically intense and continuous. Administering an epidural block can provide effective pain relief by blocking nerve signals, allowing the patient to rest and conserve energy for the pushing phase. It does not affect the ability to push and can improve maternal satisfaction. Non-pharmacological methods (B) may not provide sufficient relief at this stage. Narcotic analgesics (C) can cross the placenta and affect the baby's respiratory system. Encouraging the patient to push (D) is appropriate during the second stage of labor, not the active phase.
Question 3 of 5
A woman in labor has a history of previous cesarean section. What is the most important factor to monitor for during this labor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Uterine rupture. The most important factor to monitor in a woman with a history of previous cesarean section is the risk of uterine rupture during labor. Uterine rupture is a serious complication that can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage for both the mother and the baby. Monitoring for signs such as sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, and cessation of contractions is crucial. Maternal hypotension (Choice B) is important but not as critical as uterine rupture. Fetal malpresentation (Choice C) and prolonged labor (Choice D) are important factors to monitor but do not pose the same level of immediate risk as uterine rupture in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient in labor is diagnosed with an occiput posterior (OP) fetal position. What is the most appropriate intervention to facilitate delivery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the patient on her hands and knees. This position, known as the all-fours position, can help rotate the baby from an occiput posterior position to a more favorable position for delivery. Gravity assists in the rotation of the baby, making delivery easier. Encouraging the patient to push vigorously (option A) may not be effective in this situation as the baby may be facing the wrong way. Performing a cesarean section (option C and D) should be considered only if other interventions fail or if there are complications that necessitate surgical delivery.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who is 40 weeks pregnant presents to the labor and delivery unit with decreased fetal movement. What is the first step in management?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a nonstress test (NST). This is the first step in assessing fetal well-being when a patient presents with decreased fetal movement at 40 weeks gestation. The NST evaluates fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement, providing immediate information on fetal well-being. Administering a corticosteroid injection (B) would not be indicated at this point as it is not the first-line management for decreased fetal movement. Monitoring fetal heart rate (C and D) is important, but the NST provides more comprehensive information on fetal well-being.