ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring During Labor ppt Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports feeling dizzy when standing. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid dizziness. This recommendation is appropriate because pregnant patients often experience dizziness due to changes in blood pressure and circulation. Rising slowly helps prevent sudden drops in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness. Lying flat on the back can worsen dizziness by reducing blood flow to the brain. Increasing fluid intake is generally recommended during pregnancy but may not directly address the issue of dizziness. Avoiding physical activity entirely is not necessary and may not address the underlying cause of the dizziness.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is at 32 weeks gestation and is concerned about leg cramps. Which intervention should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform gentle stretching exercises to reduce muscle tension. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on muscles. Gentle stretching exercises can help relieve tension and improve circulation, reducing the likelihood of cramps. Applying heat (choice A) can worsen swelling in pregnancy. Increasing calcium intake (choice C) can help prevent cramps but is not an immediate intervention. Lying down and elevating legs (choice D) can provide temporary relief but may not address the underlying muscle tension.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and reports severe lower back pain. What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to recommend?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to perform gentle stretching exercises and maintain good posture. This option promotes active management of lower back pain in pregnancy by improving muscle strength and flexibility, reducing strain on the back. Stretching exercises can help alleviate discomfort and improve posture, which are important for managing back pain during pregnancy. Option A is incorrect as lying flat on the back is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome. Option C is incorrect as complete bed rest is not recommended for back pain management. Option D is incorrect as over-the-counter pain medication should be used judiciously during pregnancy and is not the first-line intervention for managing back pain.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 32 weeks gestation and reports feeling fatigued and weak. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's hemoglobin levels to check for anemia. 1. During pregnancy, anemia is common due to increased blood volume and demands. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms. 2. Anemia can lead to complications for both the mother and baby if left untreated. 3. Assessing hemoglobin levels will help determine if anemia is present and guide appropriate interventions. 4. Prompt treatment of anemia can improve symptoms and prevent adverse outcomes. Summary: B: Increasing physical activity may exacerbate fatigue if anemia is present. C: Resting is important, but addressing the underlying cause of fatigue is crucial. D: A high-calorie diet may not address the root cause of fatigue and could potentially worsen anemia if not properly managed.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports experiencing dizziness and faintness when standing up. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased blood pressure due to pregnancy-related changes. During pregnancy, blood vessels dilate and the growing uterus can compress the vena cava, leading to decreased blood return to the heart when standing up, causing dizziness and faintness. This condition is known as orthostatic hypotension, common in the third trimester. Low blood sugar levels (choice A) and dehydration/electrolyte imbalance (choice B) can also cause dizziness but are less likely in this scenario. Anemia and low iron levels (choice D) can lead to fatigue and weakness but are less likely to cause dizziness and faintness when standing up in this context.