The nurse is caring for a client with gestational diabetes. What complication should the nurse monitor for during labor?

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Maternal Newborn Nclex Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a client with gestational diabetes. What complication should the nurse monitor for during labor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In caring for a client with gestational diabetes during labor, the nurse should monitor for the complication of macrosomia, which is the correct answer (B). Macrosomia refers to a condition where the baby is significantly larger than average, often due to excessive glucose crossing the placenta. This poses risks during labor, such as shoulder dystocia and birth injuries. Placental abruption (A) is a separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery, which is not directly linked to gestational diabetes. Preterm labor (C) is premature contractions leading to early delivery, not specifically associated with gestational diabetes. Postpartum hemorrhage (D) is excessive bleeding after childbirth and can occur in any laboring woman, not solely those with gestational diabetes. Educationally, understanding the implications of gestational diabetes on labor and delivery outcomes is crucial for nurses caring for these clients. Monitoring for complications like macrosomia allows for timely interventions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the specific risks and complications associated with gestational diabetes to provide optimal care during labor and delivery.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is assessing a client in the third trimester who reports headaches and blurred vision. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Check the client's blood pressure. The priority nursing action in a pregnant client experiencing headaches and blurred vision in the third trimester is to assess their blood pressure to rule out preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Checking the client's blood pressure is crucial as preeclampsia can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby if left untreated. Assessing the fetal heart rate (option B) is important but not the priority when the mother's health is at risk. Administering acetaminophen (option C) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying cause. Encouraging rest (option D) is beneficial, but not the priority when potentially dealing with a hypertensive emergency like preeclampsia. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of preeclampsia in pregnant clients and the critical role of the nurse in early detection and intervention to prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and fetus.

Question 3 of 5

A client at 12 weeks' gestation asks why folic acid is important during pregnancy. What is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) It reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy as it plays a vital role in the development of the baby's neural tube, which later becomes the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, significantly decreases the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Option A) It helps prevent gestational diabetes is incorrect because folic acid does not have a direct relationship with preventing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is more influenced by factors like diet, exercise, and maternal health. Option B) It promotes fetal brain development is partially correct, as folic acid does contribute to brain development, but its primary role is in preventing neural tube defects. Option D) It increases maternal energy levels is incorrect as folic acid does not function to directly increase energy levels. Energy levels are influenced by factors like nutrition, rest, and overall health during pregnancy. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the specific roles of nutrients during pregnancy to educate and support expectant mothers in making informed choices for a healthy pregnancy outcome. Understanding the significance of folic acid in preventing birth defects empowers healthcare providers to emphasize its importance in prenatal care.

Question 4 of 5

A 17-year-old patient receives emergency contraception in a clinic. What is the priority nursing education for this patient at this time?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient should be informed that emergency contraception is a temporary measure and they need a long-term contraceptive plan. Choice B, while important for overall sexual health, is not the priority immediately after administering emergency contraception. Choice C is not necessary unless there are complications or a follow-up consultation is needed. Choice D about drinking fluids is unnecessary and not specific to the effectiveness of emergency contraception.

Question 5 of 5

A 26-year-old woman is interested in using an IUD for contraception. What is the primary advantage of using an IUD over other contraceptive methods?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: One of the primary advantages of the IUD is that it requires no daily action, making it a convenient and reliable method. Choice B is incorrect because it may take a few days for some types of IUDs to provide full protection. Choice C is incorrect because immediate protection may not be ensured immediately after insertion, especially for hormonal IUDs. Choice D is incorrect because IUDs typically last for several years, not just 6 months.

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