ATI RN
Advanced Maternal Age Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling of the face and hands. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. At 36 weeks gestation, sudden swelling of the face and hands can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure and assessing for other signs of preeclampsia, such as headache or vision changes, is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Summary: B: Instructing the patient to rest and elevate her feet may provide some relief for swelling but does not address the underlying potential issue of preeclampsia. C: Recommending increased water intake may not be appropriate if the swelling is due to preeclampsia and can worsen the condition. D: Administering diuretics without proper assessment and diagnosis of preeclampsia can be harmful and is not the initial priority action.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation is concerned about gestational diabetes. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it addresses the immediate concern of managing blood glucose levels in a pregnant patient with gestational diabetes. Encouraging smaller, more frequent meals helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent spikes. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for timely interventions. Administering insulin (B) may be necessary but not the priority. A high-protein, low-carb diet (C) is not typically recommended for gestational diabetes. Limiting fluid intake (D) is not appropriate as hydration is important during pregnancy. In summary, choice A is the priority as it directly addresses the patient's concern and promotes optimal blood sugar control during pregnancy.