ATI RN
Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports feeling nauseated and vomiting after meals. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Recommend the patient eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid greasy foods. This is because smaller, more frequent meals can help alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by preventing the stomach from becoming too full. Greasy foods can exacerbate nausea, so avoiding them is beneficial. A: Encouraging large meals less frequently can worsen symptoms by overwhelming the digestive system. C: Resting after meals may not directly address the underlying cause of nausea and vomiting. D: Avoiding all foods can lead to inadequate nutrition for both the patient and the developing fetus. In summary, choice B is the most appropriate as it addresses the symptoms effectively and promotes better nutrition during pregnancy.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient is 26 weeks gestation and reports difficulty breathing when lying flat. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to sleep on the left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on the diaphragm. At 26 weeks gestation, the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when lying flat on the back, leading to decreased blood return to the heart and reduced cardiac output, causing difficulty breathing. Sleeping on the left side helps improve circulation by reducing pressure on the vena cava, enhancing blood flow and oxygenation to the fetus and mother. Incorrect options: B: Recommending sleeping in a fully reclined position may not alleviate the compression on the vena cava and could potentially worsen the patient's symptoms. C: Administering oxygen may help with oxygenation but does not address the underlying issue of vena cava compression due to the growing uterus. D: Instructing the patient to lie flat on her back can exacerbate the issue by further compressing the vena cava, worsening breathing difficulties.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation who has been diagnosed with gestational hypertension. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly and assess for signs of preeclampsia. At 34 weeks gestation with gestational hypertension, monitoring blood pressure and assessing for signs of preeclampsia are crucial to detect any worsening condition. Preeclampsia is a serious complication of gestational hypertension that can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and fetus. Regular monitoring allows for timely intervention if necessary. Choice A is incorrect because simply encouraging rest and increased fluid intake may not address the potential severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Choice C is incorrect because administering antihypertensive medications without proper monitoring and assessment can be harmful to the patient and fetus. Choice D is incorrect because lying on her back can actually worsen the patient's condition by decreasing blood flow to the uterus.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation is experiencing swelling in her hands and feet. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. At 36 weeks gestation, swelling in the hands and feet could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition. The nurse's priority is to monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for other signs of preeclampsia, such as headache, visual disturbances, and proteinuria. Prompt detection and management of preeclampsia are crucial to prevent complications like eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Choices B, C, and D do not address the potential seriousness of the situation and may delay the necessary assessment and intervention for preeclampsia.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and reports severe heartburn after eating. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because encouraging the patient to eat smaller meals and avoid lying down after eating helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus, reducing heartburn. This intervention addresses the root cause of the symptoms during pregnancy. Option A is incorrect as antacids can provide temporary relief but do not prevent heartburn. Option C is incorrect as spicy foods and protein intake do not directly impact heartburn. Option D is incorrect as proton pump inhibitors are not typically recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.