ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports lightheadedness and fainting when standing up. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased blood volume and decreased blood pressure. At 28 weeks gestation, the pregnant patient's blood volume significantly increases to support the developing fetus, causing a relative decrease in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension). This can lead to lightheadedness and fainting. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (choice A) can contribute to these symptoms but are less likely in a pregnant patient. Iron-deficiency anemia (choice C) can cause similar symptoms but is less common at 28 weeks gestation. Hyperglycemia from gestational diabetes (choice D) typically presents with other symptoms like excessive thirst and urination, rather than lightheadedness and fainting.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient is 28 weeks gestation and is concerned about gaining too much weight. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to emphasize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because excessive weight gain during pregnancy can indeed increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. By emphasizing this point, the nurse can help the patient understand the importance of monitoring their weight gain to promote a healthy pregnancy. Choice A is not as strong because it focuses more on discussing concerns with the healthcare provider rather than the specific risks associated with excessive weight gain. Choice B is incorrect as weight gain during pregnancy should be monitored and managed appropriately. Choice D is also incorrect as it suggests limiting caloric intake, which may not be safe or appropriate for the patient and her developing fetus.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 30 weeks gestation and reports experiencing dizziness and fainting when standing. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension due to pregnancy-related changes in circulation. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, leading to decreased blood pressure when standing. This can cause dizziness and fainting. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (B) may cause similar symptoms but are less common in pregnant patients. Iron-deficiency anemia (C) typically presents with fatigue and weakness, not dizziness and fainting. Gestational diabetes (D) usually manifests as high blood sugar levels, not low blood pressure leading to dizziness and fainting.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness when standing. What is the nurse's first priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to drink fluids and rest for 10 minutes. This is the first priority action because dizziness and lightheadedness in a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation could be due to orthostatic hypotension, a common issue in pregnancy. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids and rest will help increase blood volume and alleviate symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on her back can worsen symptoms due to supine hypotensive syndrome. Choice C is not the first priority as checking for anemia or monitoring blood pressure should come after addressing immediate symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because immediate delivery is not warranted based on the symptoms described.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 36 weeks gestation about the signs of labor. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting regular contractions occurring every 5 minutes for 1 hour is a key sign of active labor. This pattern indicates the onset of true labor and the need to seek medical attention. Explanation: 1. Regular contractions every 5 minutes indicate active labor is likely. 2. Sustained contractions for an hour suggest progression of labor. 3. Seeking medical advice is crucial for appropriate management. Incorrect Choices: B. Incorrect. Staying hydrated is important during labor to prevent dehydration. C. Incorrect. Losing the mucous plug is a sign of early labor, not an emergency. D. Incorrect. Painful contractions are not the sole indicator of active labor; regularity is key.