ATI RN
Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation who is experiencing sudden, severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Call the healthcare provider immediately to report the symptoms. This is the first step because sudden, severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in a pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or preterm labor. Notifying the healthcare provider promptly allows for timely intervention and appropriate management. Choice A is incorrect as assessing the fetal heart rate and preparing for delivery should not be the first action without consulting the healthcare provider. Choice B is incorrect as encouraging the patient to rest is not appropriate in this emergent situation. Choice D is incorrect as providing pain relief and monitoring vital signs should not take precedence over notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who reports feeling lightheaded and faint when standing. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods. This recommendation is appropriate for the patient's symptoms of lightheadedness and fainting, which could be due to dehydration or low blood pressure common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake can help maintain adequate blood volume and pressure. Avoiding prolonged standing can prevent pooling of blood in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of dizziness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Taking deep breaths and rising quickly may worsen symptoms by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. C: Complete rest and avoiding physical activity may not address the underlying issue of hydration or blood pressure. D: Sitting upright and avoiding bending forward may not directly address the need for increased fluid intake and reduced standing time.
Question 3 of 5
A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy and can be alleviated by eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding greasy foods. This strategy helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduces gastric distress. Administering anti-nausea medications (A) should only be considered if conservative measures fail. Instructing the patient to eat larger meals less frequently (B) may worsen symptoms. Encouraging rest and avoiding physical activity (D) may be beneficial but addressing dietary factors is the priority in this case.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the signs of preterm labor. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because frequent, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less are a classic sign of preterm labor, indicating the need for immediate medical attention. Decreased fetal movement and back pain (choice B) are not specific signs of preterm labor. Mild cramping and occasional vaginal spotting (choice C) could be normal in pregnancy or may indicate other issues, but they are not definitive signs of preterm labor. Headaches and blurred vision (choice D) are more indicative of preeclampsia, a separate condition from preterm labor. Therefore, choice A is the most accurate and specific sign to include in the teaching plan for preterm labor.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports severe heartburn. What should the nurse recommend to relieve symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down after eating. This recommendation helps prevent acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the stomach and ensuring that the stomach is not overly full. Eating smaller meals more frequently prevents the stomach from becoming too full, which can trigger heartburn. Avoiding lying down after eating helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking antacids after every meal can lead to excessive intake and potential side effects. Drinking water immediately after meals may exacerbate heartburn by diluting stomach acid further. Increasing caffeine intake can worsen heartburn symptoms due to its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter.