ATI RN
Maternal Newborn ATI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with preeclampsia. What is the primary goal of magnesium sulfate therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology in maternal care, the primary goal of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client with preeclampsia is to prevent seizures, making option B the correct answer. Magnesium sulfate is a key drug used to manage and prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential seizures, known as eclampsia, which poses serious risks to both the mother and the fetus. Reducing blood pressure (option A) is important in managing preeclampsia, but the primary goal of magnesium sulfate therapy is to prevent the more immediate threat of seizures. Improving fetal circulation (option C) is a consideration in managing preeclampsia but is not the primary goal of administering magnesium sulfate. Treating headaches (option D) is a symptom management approach and is not the primary purpose of using magnesium sulfate in this scenario. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind pharmacological interventions in preeclampsia is vital for nurses caring for pregnant women. Knowing the specific goals of each medication, like magnesium sulfate in preventing seizures, helps ensure safe and effective care for both the mother and the unborn child. This knowledge is crucial for nursing practice in maternal care settings to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client at 10 weeks' gestation. Which finding is expected?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the assessment of a client at 10 weeks' gestation, the expected finding would be fetal heart tones by Doppler (Option B). This is because at around 10-12 weeks of gestation, fetal heart tones can be detected using a Doppler ultrasound device. This finding indicates the presence of a viable pregnancy and is a crucial milestone in prenatal care. Option A, quickening, is the sensation of fetal movements typically felt by the mother around 18-20 weeks of gestation, not at 10 weeks. Option C, fundus at the level of the umbilicus, is expected around 20-22 weeks, not at 10 weeks when the uterus is still within the pelvic cavity. Option D, Braxton Hicks contractions, are irregular, painless contractions that are commonly felt in the third trimester, not typically present at 10 weeks. Educationally, understanding the timing of different prenatal assessments and findings is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant clients. Knowing the expected milestones helps in providing appropriate care, assessing fetal well-being, and detecting any deviations from normal development. This knowledge also aids in building a trusting relationship with the client and promoting positive maternal and fetal outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with severe preeclampsia. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of caring for a client with severe preeclampsia, the priority nursing action is to assess for signs of impending eclampsia, making option B the correct choice. Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia characterized by seizures and poses immediate risks to both the mother and the baby. By closely monitoring for signs such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, epigastric pain, and hyperreflexia, the nurse can intervene promptly to prevent or manage eclamptic seizures. Administering antihypertensive medication (option A) may be necessary in managing severe preeclampsia, but it is not the priority over assessing for impending eclampsia. Monitoring urine protein levels (option C) is important in assessing the severity of preeclampsia, but it is not the immediate priority when the focus is on preventing eclamptic seizures. Encouraging ambulation (option D) is generally contraindicated in severe preeclampsia due to the risk of seizures and other complications associated with the condition. In an educational context, understanding the priority actions in managing complications of pregnancy like preeclampsia and eclampsia is crucial for nurses working in maternal newborn care. Prioritizing assessments and interventions based on the urgency of potential complications can significantly impact patient outcomes and safety. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of eclampsia and act swiftly to prevent serious consequences for both the mother and the baby.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected gestational diabetes. What is the most reliable diagnostic test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most reliable diagnostic test for suspected gestational diabetes is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves the client fasting overnight and then drinking a glucose solution followed by blood draws to measure glucose levels at specific intervals. The OGTT is considered the gold standard for diagnosing gestational diabetes because it provides a more comprehensive assessment of the body's ability to regulate glucose levels over time. It can detect abnormalities in glucose metabolism that may not be captured by a single blood glucose measurement. In contrast, a random blood glucose test (Option A) may not provide an accurate representation of the client's glucose tolerance as it can be influenced by recent food intake. A fasting blood glucose test (Option C) only provides a snapshot of glucose levels at one point in time and may miss postprandial hyperglycemia common in gestational diabetes. Hemoglobin A1C (Option D) is not recommended for diagnosing gestational diabetes as it reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and may not capture recent changes in glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind diagnostic tests for gestational diabetes is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant clients. By knowing the strengths and limitations of each test, nurses can advocate for appropriate screening and diagnostic procedures to ensure the best outcomes for both the mother and baby.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing a client for a postpartum tubal ligation. What is the priority preoperative nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and maternal newborn care, the priority preoperative nursing action for a client undergoing a postpartum tubal ligation is to verify signed informed consent, which is option B. This is crucial because informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures the client fully understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before proceeding. By verifying the signed informed consent, the nurse ensures that the client has made an informed decision and is aware of what will happen during the procedure, promoting patient autonomy and safety. Inserting an indwelling catheter (option A) is not the priority preoperative nursing action in this scenario unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider based on the client's individual needs. Administering prescribed antibiotics (option C) and checking for maternal vital signs (option D) are important aspects of preoperative care but do not take precedence over verifying informed consent, which is essential for protecting the client's rights and ensuring a safe and ethical care environment. Educationally, understanding the importance of informed consent in healthcare settings is critical for nurses and other healthcare professionals. It is a fundamental aspect of patient care that upholds ethical principles and legal standards. By prioritizing informed consent, nurses demonstrate respect for the client's autonomy, promote shared decision-making, and contribute to the overall quality and safety of care provided to maternal newborn clients undergoing surgical procedures like tubal ligation.