ATI RN
External Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient is concerned about the safety of using over-the-counter medications for her cold symptoms. Which of the following responses is most appropriate for the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. During pregnancy, it is crucial to minimize medication use to prevent potential harm to the fetus. 2. Many OTC medications have not been extensively studied for safety in pregnancy. 3. Healthcare providers can recommend safe and effective treatment options tailored to the individual. 4. Avoiding unnecessary medication reduces the risk of adverse effects on the developing baby. Summary: A: Incorrect. Not all OTC medications are safe during pregnancy, and blanket statements can be harmful. C: Incorrect. Safety of OTC medications can vary by trimester, so blanket statements are not appropriate. D: Incorrect. Herbal remedies can also pose risks during pregnancy, and individualized guidance is necessary.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is 32 weeks pregnant and is concerned about gestational diabetes. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "You can control gestational diabetes with regular exercise and a healthy diet." This is the most appropriate statement because managing gestational diabetes through lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and a healthy diet is a key component of treatment. By controlling blood sugar levels through these methods, complications for both the mother and baby can be reduced. Choice A is incorrect because gestational diabetes may not always resolve after delivery and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Choice B is incorrect as it confuses the risk of the baby developing diabetes with the mother's condition. Choice D is incorrect as gestational diabetes is not rare and requires monitoring and sometimes treatment to manage effectively.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 22 weeks gestation and is concerned about her weight gain. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - "I can eat for two during my pregnancy to ensure the baby's growth." Rationale: 1. Eating for two is a common misconception; the pregnant woman only needs an additional 300-500 calories per day. 2. Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain which may pose risks to both the mother and the baby. 3. The statement does not reflect an accurate understanding of healthy nutrition during pregnancy. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Choosing to gain 1 to 2 pounds per week aligns with healthy weight gain during pregnancy. B: Avoiding excessive food intake is an appropriate strategy to prevent excessive weight gain. D: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 36 weeks gestation and is concerned about preterm labor. Which of the following is a key sign of preterm labor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Regular contractions every 10 minutes or less. This is a key sign of preterm labor because regular contractions at this frequency could indicate the onset of labor before the full term. Contractions help to thin and dilate the cervix, leading to the birth of the baby. Decreased fetal movement (B) is a concerning sign but not a definitive indicator of preterm labor. Mild cramping and back pain (C) can be common in pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate preterm labor. Increased energy levels and appetite (D) are not typical signs of preterm labor, as the body usually shows signs of preparing for labor rather than increased energy levels.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient is at 34 weeks gestation and reports persistent lower back pain and difficulty sleeping. What is the nurse's best recommendation for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a firm mattress and avoid sleeping on the back. This recommendation is appropriate because during pregnancy, the weight of the uterus can compress blood vessels when lying on the back, causing back pain and affecting circulation. Using a firm mattress can provide better support for the back, relieving discomfort. Avoiding sleeping on the back reduces the risk of decreased blood flow to the fetus. A: Rest in bed and avoid any physical activity is incorrect because it can lead to muscle stiffness and worsen back pain. C: Taking over-the-counter pain medications may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the discomfort. D: Applying heat to the back and practicing good posture are helpful strategies, but avoiding sleeping on the back is more crucial to alleviate the symptoms in this case.