ATI RN
Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 24 weeks gestation and reports feeling nauseous after eating. What is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid greasy foods. This recommendation helps manage nausea during pregnancy by preventing the stomach from becoming too full, which can exacerbate symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevents hunger, which can trigger nausea. Avoiding greasy foods reduces the likelihood of indigestion and discomfort. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Instructing the patient to take over-the-counter anti-nausea medications may not be suitable during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare provider due to potential risks to the fetus. C: Recommending the patient to rest in bed may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of nausea and may not be practical for managing symptoms throughout the day. D: Advising the patient to reduce fluid intake may lead to dehydration, which is particularly concerning during pregnancy. Adequate hydration is important for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Question 3 of 5
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation is concerned about gestational diabetes. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it addresses the immediate concern of managing blood glucose levels in a pregnant patient with gestational diabetes. Encouraging smaller, more frequent meals helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent spikes. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for timely interventions. Administering insulin (B) may be necessary but not the priority. A high-protein, low-carb diet (C) is not typically recommended for gestational diabetes. Limiting fluid intake (D) is not appropriate as hydration is important during pregnancy. In summary, choice A is the priority as it directly addresses the patient's concern and promotes optimal blood sugar control during pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and reports pain in the lower abdomen and back. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because pain in the lower abdomen and back could indicate preterm labor at 30 weeks gestation. The first step is to assess for signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions, to determine the urgency of the situation. Administering pain medication (B) without assessing the cause can mask symptoms. Encouraging physical activity (C) may worsen preterm labor. Instructing the patient to lie flat on her back (D) can decrease blood flow to the uterus and is not recommended in late pregnancy.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation on the signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Regular contractions every 10 minutes or less should be reported immediately as they could indicate preterm labor. The frequency and regularity of contractions are key indicators of labor starting. Other choices, A, B, and D, are common discomforts during pregnancy and not necessarily indicative of preterm labor. Mild cramping and back pain (A), increased vaginal discharge (B), and feeling of pelvic pressure after physical activity (D) are normal symptoms in pregnancy and not urgent signs of preterm labor.