ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 24 weeks gestation and reports feeling fatigued and weak. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to check for anemia. Fatigue and weakness in pregnancy can be symptoms of anemia, a common condition due to increased blood volume demands. By checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the nurse can confirm or rule out anemia as the cause. Resting alone may not address the underlying issue, and high-calorie diet or regular exercise may not be appropriate if anemia is present. It is crucial to identify the root cause to provide the most effective intervention.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of prenatal vitamins. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will take prenatal vitamins throughout the pregnancy to support my baby's growth." This statement indicates effective teaching because prenatal vitamins are essential for the entire duration of pregnancy to support the developing baby's growth and development. Prenatal vitamins contain key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium that are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins only during the first trimester (option A) may not provide adequate support for the baby's growth during the entire pregnancy. Option C is incorrect because prenatal vitamins are recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of their family history of birth defects. Option D is incorrect because stopping prenatal vitamins after the baby is born does not align with the need to support the mother's postpartum health and potential breastfeeding needs.