Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Incompetent cervix, also known as cervical insufficiency, is the most likely cause of the symptoms described. Incompetent cervix is a condition where the cervix begins to dilate and efface prematurely, typically in the second trimester, without contractions or labor. This can lead to painless cervical dilation and bulging of the amniotic sac into the vagina, which can cause vaginal bleeding and crampy abdominal pain. It is a leading cause of second-trimester pregnancy loss. Treatment may involve a cervical cerclage, a surgical procedure where the cervix is stitched closed to provide additional support.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ambivalence is the most common emotional response among women during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because the news of being pregnant might evoke a mix of emotions, including joy and apprehension. Women may feel uncertain about their readiness for the responsibility of motherhood, have concerns about changes in their body, or worry about the impact on their career or relationships. Ambivalence is a natural response to a significant life change, and many women experience conflicting feelings before fully accepting and embracing their pregnancy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Systematic meta-analysis of the literature typically involves synthesizing research findings from multiple studies on a particular topic. The most common way to gather relevant studies for a meta-analysis is by searching through electronic databases. These databases contain a wide range of peer-reviewed literature such as research articles, reviews, and conference papers. Using electronic databases ensures a comprehensive and systematic approach to finding all relevant studies needed for a meta-analysis. While doctoral dissertations and statistical methods such as those offered by Cochrane can also be valuable sources of information, an electronic database is the primary tool used for conducting a systematic meta-analysis of the literature.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The clinical presentation described with fever, headache, maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities, along with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia suggests a likely diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), which is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A woman experiencing irregular and ineffective uterine contractions with prolonged cervical dilation may indicate labor dystocia, also known as abnormal labor progression. To address this issue, the nursing intervention that should be implemented is to encourage the mother to ambulate and change positions frequently. This can help optimize fetal positioning and encourage descent through the birth canal by using gravity to aid in the progression of labor. Changing positions can also potentially improve the quality and effectiveness of contractions, leading to more successful cervical dilation and labor progress. Encouraging ambulation and position changes are non-invasive, patient-centered interventions that can be helpful in managing labor dystocia before considering more invasive interventions like cesarean section.