Parents who recently experienced the death of their unborn child ask the nurse, 'What is a fetal death?' What is the nurse's best response?

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Maternal Newborn Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 5

Parents who recently experienced the death of their unborn child ask the nurse, 'What is a fetal death?' What is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In maternal newborn nursing, it is crucial to provide accurate and sensitive information to parents who have experienced the loss of their unborn child. The best response to the parents' question, "What is a fetal death?" is option B) "It refers to the intrauterine fetal death at any time during pregnancy." This response is correct because a fetal death, also known as stillbirth, can occur at any point during pregnancy, not just after 20 weeks' gestation as mentioned in option A. Fetal death is a heartbreaking experience for parents, and it is essential for healthcare providers to offer clear and compassionate explanations. Option C is incorrect because fetal deaths can occur at any stage of pregnancy, not just before 20 weeks' gestation. Option D is also incorrect as fetal death does not necessarily occur only at the birth of the newborn; it can happen before labor begins. Educationally, it is essential for nurses and healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive understanding of fetal death terminologies to provide accurate information and support to grieving parents. By explaining the concept of fetal death accurately, nurses can help parents navigate their loss with empathy and understanding.

Question 2 of 5

The pediatric nurse would be participating in the role of advocate when completing which action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B) Contributing input on a task force with the aim to reduce the rate of mortality of infants and children. In the context of maternal newborn nursing, this action aligns with the role of an advocate because it involves actively working to improve the health outcomes and well-being of infants and children on a broader scale. By participating in a task force aimed at reducing mortality rates, the pediatric nurse is advocating for systemic changes that can positively impact the health of a larger population of children. Options A, C, and D all involve important aspects of nursing care and education but do not directly involve advocating for broader systemic changes to improve the health outcomes of infants and children. In option A, instructing parents on vaccine side effects is more about providing education and informed consent. Option C focuses on teaching parents to keep medication safely out of reach, which is about promoting safety. Option D involves explaining prescribed medications, which is about ensuring understanding and adherence but does not necessarily involve advocacy on a larger scale. In a maternal newborn nursing context, understanding the role of advocacy is crucial as nurses not only care for individual patients but also work to promote health equity, access to care, and improved outcomes for all infants and children. Advocacy in nursing involves speaking up for patients, addressing systemic issues that impact health, and working towards positive change in healthcare policies and practices. By participating in initiatives like reducing mortality rates, nurses play a vital role in advocating for the most vulnerable populations they serve.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is caring for a woman with a broken arm. Her partner brings in flowers and balloons and is overly affectionate. What phase of the cycle of violence would the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of maternal newborn nursing and understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, it is crucial for nurses to recognize the different phases of the cycle of violence. In this scenario, the nurse would suspect the honeymoon phase. The honeymoon phase is characterized by the abuser showing remorse, apologizing, and attempting to reconcile after a violent episode. In this case, the partner's overly affectionate behavior, bringing gifts like flowers and balloons, aligns with the typical behavior seen in the honeymoon phase. The tension-building phase (option A) precedes the acute battering incident (option B) and is marked by increasing tension, arguing, and potential threats. The acute battering incident is the actual violent episode. The loving phase (option D) is not a recognized phase in the cycle of violence and does not reflect the dynamics typically seen in abusive relationships. Educationally, understanding the cycle of violence is essential for nurses working in maternal newborn settings as they often encounter women experiencing intimate partner violence. Recognizing the signs and phases of abuse enables nurses to provide appropriate support, resources, and interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the newborn. By identifying the honeymoon phase, nurses can take necessary steps to address the situation and provide the woman with the help she needs.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is preparing to teach a prenatal class about fetal circulation. Which statements should be included in the teaching plan?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs. This statement is crucial in understanding fetal circulation. During fetal life, the ductus arteriosus is a shunt that diverts blood away from the non-functional lungs and directly into the systemic circulation. This adaptation is essential for fetal oxygenation until birth when the lungs take over. Option B is incorrect because two veins, the umbilical vein, and the ductus venosus, carry oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. Option C is incorrect as the normal fetal heart rate range in early pregnancy is 110 to 160 beats per minute, not 140 to 160. Option D is incorrect because two arteries, not veins, the umbilical arteries, carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away from the fetus to the placenta for exchange. Understanding fetal circulation is vital for nurses caring for pregnant women and newborns. Teaching this concept in prenatal classes helps parents grasp the importance of fetal development and prepares them for potential complications that may arise during pregnancy and birth.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is performing a prenatal assessment on a client with gestational diabetes. What statement by the client indicates effective teaching?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "I will check my blood sugar multiple times a day as prescribed," is the correct statement indicating effective teaching by the client with gestational diabetes. This response demonstrates understanding and adherence to the essential aspect of monitoring blood sugar levels regularly to manage gestational diabetes effectively. Option A, "I will monitor my blood sugar once a week," is incorrect as gestational diabetes requires more frequent monitoring, typically multiple times a day, to ensure tight control and prompt intervention if needed. Option B, "I will increase my physical activity if my blood sugar is high," while promoting a healthy lifestyle, does not address the immediate need for monitoring blood sugar levels. Option D, "I can reduce my insulin dose on days I eat less," is incorrect because altering insulin doses without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous and lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In the context of maternal newborn nursing, educating clients with gestational diabetes about the importance of frequent blood sugar monitoring is crucial for their health and the well-being of the fetus. It empowers clients to take an active role in managing their condition and helps prevent complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy. Regular monitoring allows for timely adjustments in treatment plans and promotes better outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

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