A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is the most important aspect of the patient's care plan?

Questions 91

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions

Question 1 of 9

A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is the most important aspect of the patient's care plan?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining a balanced diet. This is crucial for managing gestational diabetes, as it helps control blood sugar levels to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Regular monitoring ensures timely adjustments to treatment. A balanced diet helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides essential nutrients for the baby's growth. Choice A is important but not as critical as monitoring blood glucose levels, as weight gain should be monitored but is not the primary focus in gestational diabetes. Choice C is not directly related to managing gestational diabetes. Choice D may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the most important aspect of care compared to monitoring blood glucose levels and diet.

Question 2 of 9

What are late FHR decelerations caused by?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uteroplacental insufficiency. Late FHR decelerations are caused by decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus due to impaired uteroplacental circulation. This can result from conditions like placental abruption or placental insufficiency. Altered cerebral blood flow (A) is more related to early decelerations. Umbilical cord compression (B) typically causes variable decelerations. Meconium fluid (D) can lead to fetal distress but is not the primary cause of late decelerations.

Question 3 of 9

A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports severe heartburn. What should the nurse recommend to relieve symptoms?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down after eating. This recommendation helps prevent acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the stomach and ensuring that the stomach is not overly full. Eating smaller meals more frequently prevents the stomach from becoming too full, which can trigger heartburn. Avoiding lying down after eating helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking antacids after every meal can lead to excessive intake and potential side effects. Drinking water immediately after meals may exacerbate heartburn by diluting stomach acid further. Increasing caffeine intake can worsen heartburn symptoms due to its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Question 4 of 9

A patient who is about to undergo a cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress asks her nurse what kind of anesthesia would be best for her. The nurse explains that which of the following is the preferred method of anesthesia in this nonemergent case?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal block. Spinal anesthesia provides rapid onset and reliable anesthesia for cesarean section, making it the preferred method in nonemergent cases. It is safe for both the mother and the baby, as it does not cross the placental barrier. Spinal anesthesia also allows for better pain control postoperatively compared to other methods. Choice B (Epidural block) may be a suitable option, but spinal anesthesia is preferred due to its faster onset and reliability. Choice C (General anesthesia) is not the preferred method in nonemergent cases as it carries more risks compared to regional anesthesia and may have adverse effects on the baby. Choice D (Intravenous sedation) is not appropriate for cesarean section as it does not provide adequate anesthesia for the procedure and may not be safe for the baby.

Question 5 of 9

The following four changes occur during pregnancy. Which of them usually increases the father’s interest and involvement in the pregnancy?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hearing the fetal heartbeat is a significant moment that often increases the father’s interest and involvement in the pregnancy. The other options may also increase involvement but are less impactful.

Question 6 of 9

How should the nurse respond to a concern about alcohol exposure during conception?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Occasional alcohol exposure around conception is unlikely to cause significant harm, though ongoing abstinence is advised.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse is presenting a conference on gene dominance. What does the nurse report as the percentage of children carrying the dominant gene if one parent has a dominant gene and the other parent does not?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If one parent has a dominant trait and the other does not, then 50% of the children will inherit the trait.

Question 8 of 9

A client makes the following statement after finding out that her pregnancy test is positive, 'This is not a good time. I am in college and the baby will be due during final exams!' Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate at this time?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acknowledging the client's feelings of being overwhelmed is the most supportive response. Offering solutions or reassurance without first addressing the client's emotions may not be as effective.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation who is experiencing sudden, severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse do first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Call the healthcare provider immediately to report the symptoms. This is the first step because sudden, severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in a pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or preterm labor. Notifying the healthcare provider promptly allows for timely intervention and appropriate management. Choice A is incorrect as assessing the fetal heart rate and preparing for delivery should not be the first action without consulting the healthcare provider. Choice B is incorrect as encouraging the patient to rest is not appropriate in this emergent situation. Choice D is incorrect as providing pain relief and monitoring vital signs should not take precedence over notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days