After an amniotomy, what is the priority nursing action?

Questions 38

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ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Questions

Question 1 of 9

After an amniotomy, what is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the fetal heart rate pattern. After an amniotomy (breaking of the water), the priority is to monitor the fetal well-being to ensure the baby is tolerating the procedure well. Assessing the fetal heart rate pattern helps the nurse determine if the baby is experiencing any distress or changes in oxygenation. This immediate assessment is crucial in identifying any potential complications and taking prompt action. Observing the color and consistency of fluid (A) is important but not as immediate as assessing the fetal heart rate. Assessing the client's temperature (C) and evaluating for chills and increased uterine tenderness (D) are important but do not address the immediate concern of fetal well-being post-amniotomy.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is caring for several clients. The nurse should recognize that it is safe to administer tocolytic therapy to which of the following clients?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Tocolytic therapy is used to delay preterm labor and prevent premature birth. 2. Administering tocolytic therapy at 26 weeks of gestation allows time for corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity. 3. Delaying labor at this stage can improve neonatal outcomes. 4. Other choices are incorrect because tocolytic therapy is not indicated for fetal death, Braxton-Hicks contractions, or post-term pregnancy.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment. The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms. Preterm infants have underdeveloped regulatory systems, making them vulnerable to heat loss or overheating. Maintaining a neutral thermal environment in an incubator helps prevent fluctuations in body temperature. Choice A is incorrect because surface area alone does not explain the need for a neutral thermal environment. Choice B is incorrect as brown fat actually helps generate heat in newborns. Choice D is incorrect as drying sweat is not the primary reason for using an incubator in preterm newborns.

Question 4 of 9

A client with a BMI of 26.5 is seeking advice on weight gain during pregnancy at the first prenatal visit. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (15 to 25 pounds) because this recommendation aligns with the guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy for a client with a BMI of 26.5. The Institute of Medicine recommends this weight gain range for individuals in the overweight category. It is important to strike a balance between gaining enough weight to support the health of the fetus and not gaining excess weight that may lead to complications. Choice A (11 to 20 pounds) may not provide enough weight gain for optimal pregnancy outcomes, while choice C (25 to 35 pounds) may lead to excessive weight gain. Choice D (1 pound per week) is too specific and does not account for individual variations in weight gain patterns during pregnancy. It is crucial to tailor weight gain recommendations based on the client's BMI to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Question 5 of 9

A client in active labor has 7 cm of cervical dilation, 100% effacement, and the fetus at 1+ station. The client's amniotic membranes are intact, but she suddenly expresses the need to push. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Option C, having the client pant during the next contractions, is the correct answer. At 7 cm dilation with a sudden urge to push, it indicates possible fetal descent. Panting can help prevent rapid descent and reducing the risk of cervical edema or injury. It allows time for the cervix to dilate fully before pushing, preventing premature pushing and potential complications. Option A is not a priority at this stage. Option B is incorrect as observing for crowning might lead to premature pushing. Option D is not necessary as voiding is not the priority right now.

Question 6 of 9

A healthcare provider is preparing to administer vitamin K by IM injection to a newborn. The medication should be administered into which of the following muscles?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vastus lateralis. This muscle is the preferred site for IM injections in newborns due to its large muscle mass and minimal risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels. Administering vitamin K in the vastus lateralis ensures proper absorption and distribution of the medication. Ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites are not recommended for newborns due to the risk of sciatic nerve damage and limited muscle mass. The deltoid muscle is typically used for older children and adults, not newborns.

Question 7 of 9

When monitoring uterine contractions in a client in the active phase of the first stage of labor, which finding should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds can indicate uterine hyperstimulation, which can lead to decreased oxygenation of the fetus. This finding should be reported to the provider for further assessment and intervention. Contractions occurring every 3 to 5 minutes (choice B) are normal in the active phase of labor. Strong contractions (choice C) are also expected during this phase. Feeling contractions in the lower back (choice D) is common and not typically a cause for concern. Reporting contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds is crucial to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Question 8 of 9

A client at 38 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of preeclampsia has the following findings. Which of the following should the nurse identify as inconsistent with preeclampsia?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Deep tendon reflexes of +1. In preeclampsia, deep tendon reflexes are typically hyperactive, not diminished (+1). This indicates hyporeflexia, which is inconsistent with preeclampsia. A is consistent with preeclampsia, as mild edema is common. B is also consistent, as proteinuria is a hallmark sign. C is consistent, as elevated blood pressure is a key feature. Therefore, D is the only choice that does not align with the expected findings in preeclampsia.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse in a prenatal clinic overhears a newly licensed nurse discussing conception with a client. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because implantation actually occurs around 6-10 days after fertilization, not after conception. This is a critical distinction as conception refers to the union of sperm and egg to form a zygote, while fertilization specifically refers to the fusion of the genetic material. Therefore, the statement by the newly licensed nurse is inaccurate and requires intervention. A: Fertilization typically occurs in the outer third of the fallopian tube, making this statement correct. C: Sperm can indeed remain viable in the woman's reproductive tract for 2 to 3 days, indicating this statement is accurate. D: Bleeding or spotting can indeed accompany implantation, making this statement correct. In summary, choice B is incorrect because implantation occurs around 6-10 days after fertilization, not conception. Choices A, C, and D are all correct statements related to conception and fertilization.

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