ATI RN
Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports pain in the lower abdomen and back. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to rest and monitor for changes in symptoms. At 26 weeks gestation, lower abdominal and back pain could indicate preterm labor. The first step is to have the patient rest to reduce uterine activity. Monitoring for changes in symptoms is crucial to assess if the pain is worsening and if there are any signs of preterm labor. Performing a pelvic exam (B) could potentially stimulate contractions and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Administering pain medication (C) does not address the underlying cause and could mask symptoms. Assessing blood pressure for signs of preeclampsia (D) is important but not the first priority in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 32 weeks gestation and reports a sudden increase in vaginal discharge. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the color, consistency, and odor of the discharge. This is the priority action because sudden increase in vaginal discharge could indicate potential issues such as infection or preterm labor. By assessing the characteristics of the discharge, the nurse can gather important information to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions. Choice B is incorrect as simply instructing the patient to rest and monitor the discharge does not address the potential seriousness of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as increasing fluid intake may not necessarily reduce the discharge and could potentially worsen the situation if there is an underlying issue. Choice D is incorrect as performing a pelvic exam should not be the initial priority without first assessing the characteristics of the discharge.
Question 3 of 5
A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation is experiencing heartburn. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate recommendation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is the most appropriate recommendation because eating small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods can help reduce heartburn during pregnancy. Large meals can exacerbate heartburn, so smaller meals are easier to digest. Spicy and greasy foods can also trigger heartburn. Options A, B, and D are not recommended for managing heartburn during pregnancy. Taking antacids regularly can lead to potential risks for the developing fetus. Lying down immediately after meals can worsen heartburn due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, and avoiding fluids during meals may not necessarily prevent heartburn.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about gestational diabetes. Which of the following is a key sign that the nurse should monitor for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Frequent urination and excessive thirst. In gestational diabetes, the body may not be able to produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. The excess sugar in the blood can cause increased thirst and frequent urination as the body tries to eliminate the sugar through urine. This is a key sign that the nurse should monitor for in a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation. Nausea and vomiting after meals (B) are more commonly associated with morning sickness in early pregnancy. Increased appetite and weight gain (C) can occur during pregnancy but are not specific signs of gestational diabetes. Fatigue and dizziness during physical activity (D) can be common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased demands on the body but are not specific to gestational diabetes.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the signs of preterm labor. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Frequent, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less are a key sign of preterm labor, indicating the uterus is contracting and potentially dilating prematurely. Step 2: This pattern of contractions can lead to preterm delivery and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Step 3: Decreased fetal movement and back pain (Option B) are not specific signs of preterm labor but can indicate other issues that need evaluation. Step 4: Mild cramping and occasional vaginal spotting (Option C) can be normal in pregnancy and may not always indicate preterm labor. Step 5: Headaches and blurred vision (Option D) are more indicative of conditions like preeclampsia rather than preterm labor.