ATI RN
Palliative Care Perinatal Loss Case Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 23-year-old patient who arrives at the clinic for a pregnancy test. The test confirms the patient is pregnant. The patient states, 'I do not need to stop smoking my electronic cigarette because it will not harm my baby.' Which is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response by the nurse is option B: "Tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, should not be used during pregnancy due to risking nicotine toxicity." This response is the best choice because it emphasizes the potential harm of nicotine exposure to the fetus during pregnancy. Nicotine is a harmful substance that can constrict blood vessels, reduce oxygen and nutrient supply to the developing baby, and increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Option A is incorrect because it inaccurately states that electronic cigarettes are not harmful during pregnancy, which contradicts evidence-based guidelines on the risks of nicotine exposure. Option C is incorrect as it implies that electronic cigarettes are safe for the mother but harmful to the fetus, which is misleading and does not align with the known risks associated with nicotine exposure. Option D is incorrect because it falsely limits the harm of electronic cigarettes to only the first trimester, whereas the risks extend throughout pregnancy. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to have accurate and up-to-date knowledge about the effects of substance use, like nicotine from electronic cigarettes, on pregnancy outcomes. By providing correct information and guidance to pregnant individuals, nurses play a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. It is essential for nurses to communicate effectively and sensitively to support pregnant individuals in making informed decisions that promote positive pregnancy outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse has made it a goal to increase the rate at which women begin prenatal care in the first trimester. The nurse relates this decision to national goals for better maternal and infant outcomes. What guidelines will the nurse use to guide her maternal health goals?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Healthy People 2020. The nurse will use Healthy People 2020 guidelines to guide her maternal health goals because Healthy People 2020 is a comprehensive set of national health objectives aimed at improving the health and well-being of all Americans. It provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for promoting health and preventing disease. The goals and objectives related to maternal and child health focus on improving prenatal care utilization, reducing infant mortality rates, and promoting maternal health throughout pregnancy. Option A) WHO Maternal care guidelines may provide valuable information, but for national goals and initiatives specific to the United States, Healthy People 2020 would be more relevant. Option B) State Practice Acts pertain to the legal scope of nursing practice within a specific state and do not provide comprehensive national health goals like Healthy People 2020. Option C) AWHONN white papers may offer evidence-based recommendations for perinatal care, but they do not encompass the broad range of maternal health goals and objectives outlined in Healthy People 2020. For the nurse, understanding and aligning with national initiatives like Healthy People 2020 not only ensures evidence-based practice but also contributes to improving overall maternal and infant outcomes on a larger scale. This knowledge helps nurses advocate for policy changes, implement best practices, and ultimately enhance the quality of care provided to pregnant women and their babies.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a single teen mother who has just given birth to her first child. The patient notes that the child's father 'wants no relationship with his son.' The patient goes on to express concerns about the short- and long-term impact of her teen pregnancy on herself and on her child. Which statements made by the nurse are accurate? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "Your child is less likely to experience behavioral problems," is the correct statement. This is because research indicates that children of teen mothers are not inherently predisposed to behavioral problems solely due to their mother's age. It is crucial for the nurse to provide accurate and supportive information to the teen mother to alleviate unnecessary concerns and promote a positive outlook. Option A, "You are more likely than others to have additional children before you turn 20," is incorrect. While teen mothers may be at higher risk for subsequent pregnancies, this statement is not universally true for all teen mothers and can contribute to stigmatization and judgment. Option B, "You may have difficulty completing high school or college," while a common concern, is not the most accurate statement to make. Many teen mothers successfully complete their education with appropriate support and resources, and it is essential for the nurse to provide encouragement and guidance rather than instill fear of failure. Option D, "Your child is at increased risk of abusing alcohol when he is a teenager," is also incorrect. While children of teen mothers may face certain challenges, predicting future substance abuse based solely on maternal age is overly simplistic and not evidence-based. It is essential for healthcare providers to offer non-judgmental, evidence-based information and support to teen mothers to help them navigate their unique challenges and empower them to make informed decisions for themselves and their children. Education and support play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of stigma and misinformation surrounding teen pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
A bottle-feeding woman, 11â„2 weeks postpartum from a vaginal delivery, calls the obstetric office to state that she has saturated 2 pads in the past 1 hour. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response, option D, is appropriate because it prioritizes the woman's health and safety by advising her to be examined by a doctor promptly. This is crucial as saturating 2 pads in 1 hour postpartum could indicate excessive bleeding, which may be a sign of a serious complication like postpartum hemorrhage or retained placental tissue. Option A is incorrect as it dismisses the woman's concern and does not address the potential seriousness of the situation. Option B is also incorrect as it wrongly attributes the bleeding to the return of menstruation, which is not typical so soon after delivery. Option C is incorrect as it normalizes heavy bleeding without considering the need for medical evaluation. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to be able to recognize and respond to postpartum complications promptly to ensure the well-being of mothers. Understanding the potential risks and knowing when to seek medical help are vital aspects of providing comprehensive perinatal care. This case highlights the importance of appropriate triage and communication skills in managing postpartum issues effectively.
Question 5 of 5
On admission to the labor and delivery unit, a client's hemoglobin (Hgb) was assessed at 11.0 gm/dL, and her hematocrit (Hct) at 33%. Which of the following values would the nurse expect to see 2 days after a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C (Hgb 10.5 gm/dL; Hct 31%) is the correct answer. After a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery, it is expected that the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels will decrease slightly due to physiological changes postpartum. This decrease is a normal response to the blood loss that occurs during delivery. Option A (Hgb 12.5 gm/dL; Hct 37%) is incorrect because it shows an increase in the values, which is not expected after delivery. Options B (Hgb 11.0 gm/dL; Hct 33%) and D (Hgb 9.0 gm/dL; Hct 27%) are also incorrect as they do not reflect the expected slight decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels postpartum. From an educational standpoint, understanding the normal physiological changes that occur in the postpartum period is crucial for providing quality care to women during this vulnerable time. Nurses need to be able to recognize and interpret lab values accurately to assess the postpartum client's health status effectively. This knowledge helps in identifying deviations from normal and providing appropriate interventions promptly.