ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant patient who is 28 weeks gestation reports a sudden headache and visual changes. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. This is the priority action because sudden headache and visual changes in a pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Checking blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia is crucial for early detection and prompt management to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Encouraging a warm bath, administering pain medication, or instructing the patient to rest may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation reports experiencing leg cramps. What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to recommend?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevate the legs and perform gentle stretching exercises. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on the legs. Elevating the legs helps improve circulation and reduce cramping. Gentle stretching exercises can also help relieve muscle tension. Increasing calcium intake (choice A) may be beneficial for preventing cramps, but it is not the immediate intervention for relief. Exercise (choice B) may worsen cramping if done excessively. Applying heat packs (choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the cramps.
Question 3 of 5
A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling of the hands, feet, and face. 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. Rationale: 1. Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, and face in a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation can be a sign of preeclampsia. 2. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. 3. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure and checking for signs of preeclampsia is crucial for early detection and management of the condition. 4. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent potential severe outcomes such as seizures, stroke, or organ damage. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Elevating the legs may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the sudden swelling, which could be preeclampsia. C: Administering diuretics without assessing the patient's blood pressure and ruling out
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 24 weeks gestation and has been diagnosed with anemia. What should the nurse teach the patient about managing this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because increasing iron-rich foods and taking iron supplements as prescribed is the standard treatment for managing anemia during pregnancy. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, which is crucial for both the mother and the developing fetus. Resting frequently (choice B) may help with fatigue but does not address the root cause of anemia. Limiting dairy intake (choice C) is not necessary and may lead to other nutritional deficiencies. Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods (choice D) can be beneficial for overall health but does not specifically address the management of anemia.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 36 weeks gestation and reports severe lower back pain. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in light physical activity and maintaining good posture can help alleviate lower back pain during pregnancy by strengthening muscles and improving circulation. Resting may worsen the pain. Applying heat or cold packs may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Lying flat on her back for extended periods can lead to decreased blood flow to the uterus and potentially harm the baby.