ATI RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client in the postpartum period. What finding indicates a need for immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the postpartum period, the finding that indicates a need for immediate intervention is option B) Lochia rubra with large clots. Lochia rubra is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth, but the presence of large clots can indicate excessive bleeding or retained placental tissue, which are serious postpartum complications requiring immediate medical attention to prevent hemorrhage and infection. Option A) Fundus firm and midline is a normal finding indicating proper uterine involution, which is expected in the postpartum period. Option C) Perineal pain after delivery is common due to the trauma of childbirth and is managed with pain relief measures. Option D) Slight swelling of the feet can be a normal postpartum symptom due to fluid shifts, but it does not require immediate intervention unless it is severe and associated with other signs of preeclampsia. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses working in maternal newborn care to recognize abnormal postpartum findings that require immediate intervention to ensure the well-being of the mother. Understanding normal postpartum changes and potential complications is essential in providing safe and effective care to postpartum clients. Regular assessment and early detection of abnormal findings can prevent serious postpartum complications and promote optimal recovery for the mother.
Question 2 of 5
A client at 34 weeks' gestation is diagnosed with polyhydramnios. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the case of a client at 34 weeks' gestation diagnosed with polyhydramnios, the nurse's priority assessment should be to assess for signs of preterm labor, making option B the correct answer. Polyhydramnios, an excess of amniotic fluid, can increase the risk of preterm labor due to uterine distention and placental compression. By assessing for signs of preterm labor such as regular uterine contractions, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or vaginal bleeding, the nurse can intervene promptly to prevent premature birth and its associated complications. Monitoring maternal blood pressure (option A) is important in prenatal care, but in this specific scenario, the risk of preterm labor takes precedence. Checking for signs of infection (option C) is also important but not the priority when dealing with polyhydramnios and its potential complications. Evaluating fetal heart rate changes (option D) is crucial in many situations, but in this case, assessing for preterm labor is more directly related to the client's current condition and needs. This educational context highlights the critical thinking skills required in maternal newborn nursing to prioritize assessments based on the client's specific condition and potential risks. Nurses must be able to recognize the most urgent needs of their clients to provide timely and appropriate care, especially in high-risk situations such as polyhydramnios during pregnancy.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.