A woman in labor requests an epidural. What should the nurse assess before administering the epidural?

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Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Questions

Question 1 of 5

A woman in labor requests an epidural. What should the nurse assess before administering the epidural?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maternal blood pressure. Before administering an epidural, it is crucial to assess the maternal blood pressure to ensure it is within the normal range. Hypotension can occur as a common side effect of epidural anesthesia, which can lead to decreased placental perfusion and compromise fetal oxygenation. Assessing maternal blood pressure helps in preventing potential complications. Incorrect choices: A: Cervical dilation - Not directly related to the administration of an epidural. C: Fetal heart rate - Important but not the immediate assessment needed before administering an epidural. D: Maternal temperature - While it is important in general assessment, it is not specifically required before giving an epidural.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old patient who is 32 weeks pregnant. After complaining of genital sores and discomfort, the patient tests positive for syphilis. The fetus is at increased risk of which condition?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blindness. Syphilis infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital syphilis, which can cause a range of complications for the fetus, including blindness. The spirochete that causes syphilis can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, leading to various abnormalities. Blindness is a common manifestation of congenital syphilis due to damage to the eyes and optic nerve. The other options are not directly associated with syphilis infection during pregnancy. Diabetes, pneumonia, and hypertension are not typically linked to congenital syphilis and its effects on the fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Blindness.

Question 3 of 5

A pregnant patient with a BMI of 35 is concerned about health effects she and her baby may face during pregnancy. During routine testing, the patient tested negative for sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) and indicated that she is in a committed, long-term relationship with the child's father. Which of the following is accurate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Pregnancy with a high BMI increases the risk of wound infection post-delivery due to delayed wound healing and increased tissue trauma. 2. Negative STI test and committed relationship decrease risks of neonatal blindness and birth injury. 3. Wound infection risk is directly related to BMI and not affected by STI status or relationship status. Summary: A: Incorrect - No connection between STI status or relationship status with neonatal blindness. B: Incorrect - No direct relation between STI status or relationship status with birth injury risk. D: Incorrect - Preeclampsia risk is not influenced by STI status or relationship status.

Question 4 of 5

A pregnant woman in her second trimester asks the nurse about taking herbal supplements to alleviate nausea. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because herbal supplements can vary in safety during pregnancy. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as some herbs may potentially harm the pregnancy or interact with other medications. Answer A is incorrect as not all herbal supplements are safe during pregnancy. Answer C is incorrect as some herbal supplements may be safe if recommended by a healthcare provider. Answer D is incorrect as prescription medications are often more rigorously tested and regulated for safety during pregnancy compared to herbal supplements.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about prenatal vitamins. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The rationale is that stopping prenatal vitamins if feeling nauseous can deprive the baby of essential nutrients crucial for proper development. Nausea is common during pregnancy, and it's important to continue taking prenatal vitamins to ensure the baby receives necessary nutrients. Choices A, C, and D all demonstrate understanding of the importance of prenatal vitamins in supporting the baby's growth and preventing birth defects.

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