ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
An antenatal client is informing the nurse of her prenatal signs and symptoms. Which of the following findings would the nurse determine are presumptive signs of pregnancy? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and maternal monitoring, understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals. In this question, the correct answer is option A) Amenorrhea. Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual periods, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy because it is one of the earliest indicators that a woman may be pregnant. Option B) Breast tenderness is not a presumptive sign but rather a probable sign of pregnancy. While breast changes are common in pregnancy, they are not specific to pregnancy and can occur due to hormonal fluctuations. Option C) Quickening, the first fetal movements felt by the mother, is considered a probable sign of pregnancy, not a presumptive sign. It typically occurs around the 18-20th week of pregnancy and is a more reliable indicator than presumptive signs. Option D) Frequent urination is also a probable sign of pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting the bladder's capacity. While it is a common symptom in pregnancy, it is not a presumptive sign like amenorrhea. Educationally, it is important for pharmacology students to differentiate between presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy as this knowledge can impact the assessment and care provided to pregnant patients. Understanding these signs helps in accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and management of maternal health during pregnancy.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse notes each of the following findings in a 10-week gestation client. Which of the findings would enable the nurse to tell the client that she is positively pregnant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Fetal heart rate via Doppler. At 10 weeks of gestation, the fetal heart rate can typically be detected using Doppler ultrasound, confirming the presence of a viable pregnancy. This method provides concrete evidence of pregnancy progression and is a direct indicator of fetal well-being. Option B) Positive pregnancy test is a reliable indicator of pregnancy, but at 10 weeks gestation, it is not as definitive as detecting the fetal heart rate. Pregnancy tests can sometimes yield false positives or negatives, so they are not as accurate as direct visualization of the fetus. Option C) Positive Chadwick's sign and Option D) Montgomery gland enlargements are both physical changes in the body that can occur during pregnancy, but they are not specific or definitive enough at 10 weeks gestation to confirm pregnancy. These signs are more indicative of early pregnancy changes rather than definitive proof of pregnancy. Educationally, understanding the various methods of confirming pregnancy and monitoring maternal health is crucial for nurses working in maternal care. Knowing the appropriate timing and reliability of different assessments can help ensure accurate and timely care for pregnant clients. Detecting the fetal heart rate via Doppler is a critical skill for nurses in assessing the progress and well-being of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse midwife tells a client that the baby is growing and that ballottement was evident during the vaginal examination. How should the nurse explain what the nurse midwife means by ballottement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) The nurse midwife felt the baby rebound after being pushed. Ballottement is a technique used in obstetrics to assess fetal movement. When the nurse midwife pushes on the mother's abdomen and then feels a rebound movement, this indicates that the fetus is floating in the amniotic fluid and can be pushed back and forth. This finding is significant as it confirms the presence of a live fetus and helps in assessing fetal well-being. Option A) The nurse midwife saw that the mucous plug was intact is incorrect because ballottement does not involve the assessment of the mucous plug. Option C) The nurse midwife palpated the fetal parts through the uterine wall is incorrect as it describes a different technique called palpation, not ballottement. Option D) The nurse midwife assessed that the baby is head down is incorrect because ballottement does not provide information about the baby's position in the uterus. Educationally, understanding the concept of ballottement is crucial for healthcare professionals working in obstetrics as it aids in assessing fetal well-being and confirming pregnancy. It is essential for nurses and midwives to be able to differentiate between various techniques used in prenatal monitoring to provide accurate care to pregnant clients.
Question 4 of 5
A woman in her third trimester advises the nurse that she wishes to breastfeed her baby, 'but I don’t think my nipples are right.' Upon examination, the nurse notes that the client has inverted nipples. Which of the following actions should the nurse take at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Refer the client to a lactation consultant for advice. Inverted nipples can pose a challenge to breastfeeding, but they do not necessarily prevent a woman from successfully breastfeeding her baby. A lactation consultant is trained to provide support, guidance, and practical techniques to help mothers with various breastfeeding issues, including inverted nipples. Option A is incorrect because it is essential to provide support and encouragement to the client rather than discouraging her from attempting to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is a valuable bonding experience and provides numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby. Option C is incorrect as notifying the labor room about the client's inverted nipples is not necessary at this point. This action does not address the client's immediate concerns or provide her with the support she needs to breastfeed successfully. Option D is incorrect because teaching the woman exercises to exert her nipples may not be effective or necessary. It is crucial to involve a specialist like a lactation consultant who can provide individualized support and guidance based on the client's specific needs and circumstances. In an educational context, nurses should be aware of common breastfeeding challenges like inverted nipples and know how to support and guide women through these issues. Referring the client to a lactation consultant demonstrates a holistic and patient-centered approach to care, ensuring the best possible outcome for both the mother and the baby.
Question 5 of 5
Which finding would the nurse view as normal when evaluating the laboratory reports of a 34-week gestation client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a 34-week gestation client, the nurse would view polycythemia as a normal finding when evaluating laboratory reports. Polycythemia is an expected physiological response in a fetus due to intrauterine hypoxia, which stimulates increased red blood cell production. This condition helps the fetus compensate for potential oxygen deprivation during birth. Therefore, it is considered a normal finding in a 34-week gestation client. Anemia (Option A) would not be considered normal in this context because it indicates a deficiency in red blood cells, which can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to the fetus. Thrombocytopenia (Option B) is a low platelet count and can lead to bleeding issues in the mother or fetus. Hyperbilirubinemia (Option D) is an excess of bilirubin in the blood, which can indicate liver or other underlying issues in the mother or fetus. Understanding normal physiological changes during pregnancy and how they can impact laboratory values is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant clients. By recognizing what is normal and abnormal, nurses can intervene promptly to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.