ATI RN
Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports swelling in her legs and feet. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to elevate her legs and rest regularly. This intervention is appropriate because elevating the legs helps reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation in the lower extremities. Resting regularly also helps reduce the strain on the circulatory system. Choice B is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can exacerbate fluid retention and swelling. Choice C is incorrect because administering diuretics during pregnancy can pose risks to the fetus and should only be done under medical supervision. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and is not recommended during pregnancy, especially when experiencing swelling.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation who reports occasional dizziness and fainting. What should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The patient's blood pressure and hydration status. This is the priority because dizziness and fainting can be signs of hypotension or dehydration, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Checking blood pressure and hydration status will help determine if these symptoms are related to these issues. B: Assessing fetal heart rate and activity levels is important but not the priority in this scenario as the patient's symptoms are more likely related to her own health rather than the fetus. C: Checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important for assessing anemia but is not the immediate concern in a patient experiencing dizziness and fainting. D: Weight gain and diet history are important aspects of prenatal care but are not the priority when dealing with symptoms of dizziness and fainting.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 30 weeks gestation about safe physical activity. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in moderate exercise like walking or swimming is safe and beneficial for pregnant women at 30 weeks gestation. Moderate exercise helps maintain health, improves circulation, reduces stress, and prepares the body for labor. Strenuous exercise (A) can be risky and may lead to complications. Avoiding all physical activity (C) can result in deconditioning and potential complications. High-impact exercises (D) can be too intense and pose a risk of injury during pregnancy. Prioritizing moderate exercise aligns with current guidelines for safe physical activity during pregnancy.
Question 5 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.