ATI RN
Common Complications in Early Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman is at 42 weeks of gestation. Which of the following medications will be administered to promote cervical ripening?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dinoprostone (Cervidil) is the correct answer for promoting cervical ripening in a woman at 42 weeks of gestation. Dinoprostone is a prostaglandin E2 analog that helps soften and dilate the cervix, making it more favorable for labor induction. It can be administered intravaginally, leading to cervical ripening within hours. This medication is commonly used in post-term pregnancies to initiate labor and reduce the risk of complications associated with prolonged gestation. A: Calcium gluconate is not used for cervical ripening. Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement used to treat calcium deficiencies or to prevent complications of hyperkalemia or hypermagnesemia. It is not indicated for labor induction or cervical ripening. B: Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic agent used to prevent preterm labor by relaxing uterine smooth muscle. It is not used for cervical ripening in post-term pregnancies. Magnesium sulfate is commonly used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia or to reduce uterine contractions in preterm labor. C: Terbutaline (Brethine) is a beta-agonist medication used to relax uterine smooth muscle and inhibit uterine contractions. It is primarily used as a tocolytic agent to delay preterm labor. Terbutaline is not indicated for cervical ripening in post-term pregnancies.
Question 2 of 5
A woman has been unable to conceive for many months and will soon begin treatment with clomiphene (Clomid). What health education should the nurse provide to this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ovulation occurs 5 to 10 days after the course of clomiphene treatment has been completed. Prior to beginning the drug regimen, the nurse instructs the woman about taking her basal temperature 5 to 10 days following administration. An incremental rise in temperature is an indication of ovulation. There is no specific contraindication against alcohol, and neurological adverse effects are not expected.
Question 3 of 5
A primiparous woman was vigilant in avoiding medications and herbs during her pregnancy and states that she is similarly committed to protecting her baby's health now that she is breast-feeding. What principle should guide the woman's use of medications while breast-feeding?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice A is incorrect because while it is true that very few medications are explicitly contraindicated while breastfeeding, it does not mean that most medications are safe to use. It is essential for the woman to consult with her healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of the baby. Choice B is also incorrect because the safety of herbs during breastfeeding is not well-studied, and some herbs can have adverse effects on the baby. It is generally recommended to avoid using herbs while breastfeeding unless approved by a healthcare provider. Choice C is incorrect because not all women can resume their prepregnancy medication regimen after delivery. Some medications can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. It is crucial for the woman to discuss with her healthcare provider about the safety of continuing any medications while breastfeeding. The correct answer is D because most medications are not safe to use while a woman is breastfeeding. Many medications can pass into breast milk and have harmful effects on the baby. It is essential for the woman to be cautious and consult with her healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of her baby.
Question 4 of 5
Which of these statements best describes the action of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy by supporting the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, where the fertilized egg implants and the fetus develops. This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the early stages of pregnancy and later by the placenta. Choice A is incorrect because progesterone does not produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the developing placenta and is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone until the placenta takes over. Choice B is incorrect because duct formation in the breast is actually stimulated by estrogen, not progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the development of breast tissue and ductal growth. Choice C is incorrect because progesterone does not promote sloughing of the endometrial wall during pregnancy. In fact, progesterone helps prevent the shedding of the endometrium by maintaining its thickness and vascularity to support the growing fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is D because progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining the endometrium around the fetus during pregnancy to provide a suitable environment for fetal development.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse auscultates a functional systolic murmur, grade II/IV, on a woman in week 30 of her pregnancy. The remainder of her physical assessment is within normal limits. The nurse would:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is the correct answer because during pregnancy, there is a physiological increase in blood volume to support the growing fetus and meet the demands of the maternal body. This increase in blood volume can lead to the development of innocent or functional murmurs, which are common and typically benign in pregnant women. The grade II/IV systolic murmur heard by the nurse is likely due to the increased blood flow through the heart and is not indicative of any underlying pathology. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to recognize this finding as a normal physiological response to pregnancy. Option A is incorrect because referring the woman for additional consultation is unnecessary in this situation. The grade II/IV systolic murmur is likely innocent and related to the increased blood volume during pregnancy, so there is no need for further investigation or intervention. Option B is incorrect because asking the woman to run briefly in place to assess for an increase in intensity of the murmur is not necessary. Innocent murmurs in pregnancy are typically not affected by physical activity and do not change in intensity based on exercise. This action may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for the woman without providing any valuable information. Option D is incorrect because restricting the woman's activities and asking her to return for re-evaluation in 1 week is not warranted. As mentioned earlier, innocent murmurs in pregnancy are common and benign, so there is no need for restrictions or frequent follow-up visits for this finding. The nurse should educate the woman about the normal physiological changes in pregnancy and reassure her that the murmur is likely harmless.