ATI RN
Common Complications in Early Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman at 25 weeks gestation comes to the clinic for her prenatal visit. The nurse notices that her face and lower extremities are swollen, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. The woman states that she has had headaches and blurry vision but thought she was just tired. What should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms described by the woman, including elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, headaches, and visual changes are classic signs of preeclampsia. Eclampsia is characterized by seizures, which are not mentioned in the scenario. Diabetes type 1 and preterm labor do not present with the same symptoms as described.
Question 2 of 5
A community health nurse is conducting an educational session on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Which statement is correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Human papillomavirus is the cause of essentially all cases of cervical cancer. This statement is accurate because HPV is a known risk factor for cervical cancer, with certain high-risk strains being strongly linked to the development of this type of cancer. Educationally, understanding the association between HPV and cervical cancer is crucial for healthcare providers to emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening to prevent and detect early signs of cervical cancer. Option B) Antibiotics will only cure those STIs caused by bacterial infections is incorrect because antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, but they are not effective against viral STIs like HPV, herpes, and HIV. It is essential to differentiate between bacterial and viral STIs to provide appropriate treatment and management. Option C) A viral STI infection is a lifetime infection is incorrect. While some viral STIs like HPV and herpes may persist in the body for a long time, they may not always result in a lifetime infection. Proper medical management, including antiviral medications and lifestyle modifications, can help control viral STIs and reduce their impact on an individual's health. Option D) Gonorrhea and syphilis affect both men and women is incorrect because while both gonorrhea and syphilis can indeed affect both men and women, the impact and symptoms of these STIs may vary between genders. Understanding these differences is essential for providing gender-specific care and promoting effective prevention strategies tailored to individual needs.
Question 3 of 5
How will the nurse respond to an 18-year-old client asking if they should start getting an annual Papanicolaou (Pap) test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Screening is recommended starting at age 21 regardless of sexual activity. The rationale for this is based on evidence-based guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These guidelines recommend that women should begin cervical cancer screening with a Pap test at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. Starting screening at age 21 allows for the detection of precancerous changes in the cervix while minimizing unnecessary tests and procedures in younger women. Option A) It is recommended that screening for cervical cancer begin at age 25 is incorrect because waiting until age 25 may delay the detection of cervical abnormalities that could progress to cancer in younger individuals. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to be aware of current guidelines for cervical cancer screening and be able to provide accurate information to patients. By understanding the rationale behind the recommended age for starting Pap tests, nurses can effectively educate young women about the importance of early detection and preventive health measures.
Question 4 of 5
When assessing the client further, which organism would be of highest concern at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of early pregnancy, the correct answer to the question is option B) human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is of highest concern during this time because it can lead to genital warts and increases the risk of cervical cancer, which can have significant implications for both the mother and the developing fetus. Educationally, it is important to understand that HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth, potentially causing respiratory issues in the newborn. Options A, C, and D (chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea) are all sexually transmitted infections that can have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. However, in the context of early pregnancy, the immediate concern related to HPV is the potential for cervical changes and cancer development. Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are also important to screen for and treat in pregnancy to prevent complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal infections. Understanding the specific risks and implications of each infection in early pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and interventions to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Regular screening, early detection, and prompt treatment of sexually transmitted infections are essential components of prenatal care to promote maternal and fetal health.
Question 5 of 5
How should the nurse respond to a 30-year-old woman asking if she should continue to have a Papanicolaou test every year?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In early pregnancy, it is crucial for nurses to provide accurate information and guidance to support the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. The correct answer, option A, advises the 30-year-old woman to start getting screened with a Papanicolaou test every 3 years. This recommendation aligns with current guidelines that suggest women aged 30-65 with normal Pap smears can extend screening intervals to every 3-5 years when coupled with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Option B, suggesting annual screening, is incorrect as it does not reflect the updated guidelines that support less frequent Pap smear testing for women in this age group with normal results. Option C is incorrect because regular cervical cancer screening remains important even after age 30, particularly when considering the risk of HPV infections. Option D is also incorrect as a 5-year interval is not the recommended frequency for Pap smear testing in this scenario. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of staying current with evidence-based guidelines and adapting practice accordingly. It emphasizes the role of nurses in providing accurate information to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and screening practices. By understanding and applying the most up-to-date recommendations, nurses can contribute to promoting optimal health outcomes for women during pregnancy and beyond.