ATI RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client at 20 weeks' gestation who reports leg cramps. What is the most likely cause?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Compression of pelvic nerves. Leg cramps during pregnancy, especially at 20 weeks' gestation, can be attributed to the growing uterus exerting pressure on the pelvic nerves, leading to compression and subsequent leg cramps. This is a common occurrence in pregnancy due to the expanding uterus putting pressure on surrounding structures. Option A) Dehydration is less likely to be the cause of leg cramps in this case, as the physiological changes in pregnancy often lead to an increased need for fluid intake. However, dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps in general. Option B) Calcium deficiency is an important consideration during pregnancy, but it is less likely to be the primary cause of leg cramps at 20 weeks' gestation. Adequate calcium intake is crucial for bone health and muscle function, but in this case, nerve compression is the more likely cause. Option C) Increased blood volume is a normal adaptation during pregnancy, but it is not directly linked to the development of leg cramps. While changes in blood volume can impact circulation and potentially contribute to other symptoms, it is not the primary reason for leg cramps in this context. Educationally, understanding the physiological changes and common discomforts experienced during pregnancy is essential for nurses caring for expectant mothers. Recognizing the causes of symptoms like leg cramps helps nurses provide appropriate education, support, and interventions to promote maternal well-being throughout pregnancy.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a client about postpartum depression. What statement indicates understanding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of maternal newborn nursing, understanding postpartum depression is crucial for both nurses and clients. Option C, "I should seek help if I feel disconnected from my baby," indicates understanding because postpartum depression can manifest as feelings of disconnection from the baby, among other symptoms. Seeking help is essential for early intervention and effective management. Option A, "It’s normal to feel hopeless for several weeks," is incorrect because while some mood fluctuations are normal postpartum, persistent feelings of hopelessness may indicate a more serious issue like postpartum depression. Option B, "Postpartum depression only occurs in first-time mothers," is incorrect as postpartum depression can affect any mother, regardless of whether it is their first child or not. Option D, "It is caused by a lack of support from family," is incorrect because while lack of support can contribute to postpartum depression, it is not the sole cause as there are multifactorial reasons for its development. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support for mothers experiencing this condition to promote maternal mental health and bonding with the newborn.
Question 3 of 5
A client at 12 weeks' gestation reports mild cramping and spotting. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. The priority intervention in a pregnant client experiencing mild cramping and spotting at 12 weeks' gestation is to notify the healthcare provider promptly. This is crucial because these symptoms could indicate a potential complication such as a threatened miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical assessment and intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Option A, reassuring the client that this is normal, is not the priority as it overlooks the need for a thorough evaluation by the healthcare provider. Option B, encouraging hydration, while important in general prenatal care, is not the priority in this situation where there are concerning symptoms present. Option C, advising the client to avoid heavy lifting, is also not the priority as the focus should be on seeking immediate medical evaluation. From an educational perspective, understanding the significance of timely reporting of any abnormal symptoms during pregnancy is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant clients. This question highlights the importance of prompt assessment and intervention in maternal care to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and the baby. It reinforces the concept that early identification and management of complications in pregnancy are essential in promoting maternal and fetal well-being.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a postpartum client with a boggy uterus. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In postpartum care, monitoring the uterine fundus is crucial to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. When a boggy uterus is noted, the priority intervention is to massage the fundus until it becomes firm. Massaging the fundus helps to promote uterine contractions, which in turn helps to control bleeding by compressing blood vessels at the placental site. This intervention supports the physiological process of uterine involution and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding. Notifying the healthcare provider (Option A) is important but not the priority in this situation. Massaging the fundus should be initiated immediately to address the primary issue of uterine atony. Administering prescribed oxytocin (Option C) may be necessary after fundal massage if uterine tone remains inadequate. Checking the client's vital signs (Option D) is important but does not address the immediate need to control bleeding from uterine atony. Educationally, understanding the significance of uterine tone in the postpartum period is essential for nurses caring for maternal newborn clients. Proper technique in fundal massage and prompt recognition of uterine atony are critical skills for preventing complications like postpartum hemorrhage. Nurses must be prepared to take swift and appropriate actions to ensure the well-being of postpartum clients.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is educating a male patient on how a vasectomy works. What is the best explanation for this procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A vasectomy involves blocking or cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from being ejaculated with semen, making it an effective method of contraception. Choice B is incorrect because the testicles are not removed during a vasectomy, only the vas deferens is altered. Choice C is incorrect because seminal fluid is still produced, but sperm are prevented from entering it. Choice D is incorrect because sperm are not killed, but rather prevented from mixing with semen.