A woman, contracting every 3 min 60 seconds, suddenly develops an amniotic fluid embolism. Which of the following signs/symptoms would the nurse observe?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Chest pain with dyspnea and cyanosis. An amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but serious obstetric emergency where amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other debris enter the maternal bloodstream. This can lead to a cascade of events, including respiratory distress, chest pain, and cyanosis due to a sudden blockage in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to pulmonary embolism and subsequent cardiovascular collapse. Option A) Sudden gush of fluid from the vagina is more indicative of a rupture of membranes or premature rupture of membranes, which is not directly related to an amniotic fluid embolism. Option B) Intense and unrelenting uterine pain is more typical of conditions like placental abruption or uterine rupture, rather than an amniotic fluid embolism. Option C) Precipitous dilation and expulsion of the fetus is not a typical sign of an amniotic fluid embolism, as this condition primarily affects the maternal cardiovascular and respiratory systems rather than directly impacting the progress of labor. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy complications like amniotic fluid embolism is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers working in obstetric settings. Recognizing these signs promptly can lead to timely interventions and potentially save the lives of both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) One of the baby's arms and one of its legs are extended to the same side the baby's head is facing. This position describes the tonic neck reflex, also known as the fencing position. In this position, when the baby's head is turned to one side, the arm and leg on that side extend while the opposite arm and leg flex. This reflex is important for assessing neurological development in infants. Option B) describes head tilt, which is not related to the tonic neck reflex. Option C) describes the opisthotonos position, which is a hyperextended posture seen in conditions like meningitis. Option D) describes the asymmetric tonic neck reflex, where the body arches to one side when the baby is lying prone. Understanding these infant reflexes is crucial for healthcare professionals working with newborns as they provide insights into the infant's neurological status and development. Recognizing and interpreting these reflexes help in early identification of any potential issues and appropriate interventions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A) Use an astringent mouthwash. Ptyalism, excessive salivation, is a common symptom in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Using an astringent mouthwash can help reduce salivation by drying the mouth. This self-care measure can provide relief to the pregnant woman experiencing this discomfort. Option B) Elevate her legs frequently is incorrect as it is not relevant to managing ptyalism. Leg elevation is typically recommended for conditions like edema or varicose veins in pregnancy. Option C) Eat high-fiber foods is also incorrect. While a high-fiber diet is important in pregnancy for bowel health, it does not directly address the symptom of ptyalism. Option D) Void when the urge is felt is unrelated to managing ptyalism. This option pertains to bladder habits and has no impact on excessive salivation. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand common discomforts experienced during pregnancy and how to provide appropriate self-care strategies to pregnant women. Teaching self-care measures for symptoms like ptyalism empowers pregnant women to manage their discomfort effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Hypothermia. Translucent skin with visible veins in a newborn baby can indicate a lack of subcutaneous fat, which can lead to difficulty in maintaining body temperature, making the baby prone to hypothermia. Newborns have a higher surface area-to-body mass ratio, which makes them more susceptible to heat loss. Option A) Polycythemia is incorrect because translucent skin is not typically associated with an increased red blood cell count. Option C) Hyperglycemia is not directly related to the physical manifestation described. Option D) Polyuria, excessive urination, is not typically associated with translucent skin in a newborn. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of newborn conditions is crucial for nurses caring for high-risk neonates. Monitoring for hypothermia in this case is vital to prevent complications. Nurses should be knowledgeable about newborn physiology and common issues to provide appropriate care and interventions promptly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The fetal heart remains stable in relation to 3 contractions. In a contraction stress test (CST), a negative result indicates that the fetus can tolerate the stress of labor contractions. This is evidenced by the fetal heart rate remaining stable during contractions, indicating that the fetus is not experiencing distress. Option B) stating that uterine contractions last longer than 90 seconds is incorrect because prolonged contractions can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the fetus, resulting in a positive CST. Option C) stating that the mother reports a pain level less than 5 on a 10-point scale is incorrect as maternal pain is not a factor in interpreting the CST results. Option D) stating that the baby moves spontaneously 3 times in 20 minutes is incorrect as fetal movement is not a parameter used to interpret CST results. In an educational context, understanding how to interpret CST results is crucial in the management of high-risk pregnancies. Nurses need to be able to recognize what constitutes a negative or positive result to provide appropriate care and interventions for both the mother and the fetus. This knowledge ensures the safety and well-being of both during the antepartum period.