ATI RN
Monitoring Baby During Labour Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman in labor is diagnosed with preeclampsia. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. This is the most important action because preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures. Magnesium sulfate is the first-line treatment to prevent seizures in preeclamptic patients. Administering antihypertensive medications (A) may be necessary to control blood pressure, but preventing seizures takes precedence. Monitoring blood pressure (B) is important but not the most critical action. Performing an emergency cesarean section (D) may be necessary in severe cases but is not the initial priority.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is taking a history of a mother who admits to cocaine drug use. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to educate the patient of the risks associated with cocaine use during pregnancy (Choice C). This is important because it helps the mother understand the potential harm that cocaine can cause to both her and her baby. By providing education, the nurse can empower the mother to make informed decisions for the health and well-being of herself and her baby. Referring the patient to a drug abuse program (Choice A) may be necessary but not the immediate first step. Screening the infant for side effects (Choice B) should be done later after educating the mother. Advising the patient that her baby will be okay (Choice D) is not appropriate as it downplays the seriousness of cocaine use during pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old woman who is pregnant and has a history of hypertension. Which intervention would be most important to prevent preeclampsia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient's weight gain and blood pressure. Monitoring weight gain and blood pressure is crucial to detect early signs of preeclampsia in pregnant women with a history of hypertension. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common symptom of preeclampsia, while high blood pressure is a key indicator of the condition. By closely monitoring these parameters, the nurse can promptly identify and manage preeclampsia to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Incorrect choices: A: Encouraging regular physical activity and a healthy diet is important for overall health but may not directly prevent preeclampsia. C: Prescribing antihypertensive medications immediately may be necessary if blood pressure is severely elevated, but it is not the most important intervention for preventing preeclampsia. D: Avoiding prenatal visits to prevent stress is not a valid approach as regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring the pregnancy and managing any complications that may
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant woman who is 36 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling in her hands and feet, along with a headache. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assessing the patient's blood pressure and urine for protein is the priority because sudden swelling in hands and feet, along with a headache, could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. High blood pressure and protein in the urine are key indicators of preeclampsia. This assessment will help determine if the patient needs immediate medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because simply resting and elevating the feet may not address the underlying issue of preeclampsia. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging the patient to drink fluids will not address the potential serious condition. Choice D is incorrect because while lying on the left side can improve circulation, it does not address the urgent need to assess for preeclampsia.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is complaining of frequent heartburn. Which of the following suggestions would be most helpful for managing heartburn during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This suggestion helps manage heartburn during pregnancy by preventing large meals that can put pressure on the stomach and lead to acid reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps maintain stable digestion and minimizes the likelihood of triggering heartburn episodes. A: Lie down immediately after meals is incorrect because it can worsen heartburn by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. C: Drinking large amounts of water after meals can dilute stomach acid, but it may also distend the stomach and exacerbate heartburn symptoms. D: Increasing intake of spicy foods can aggravate heartburn due to the potential for irritating the stomach lining and increasing acid production.