ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring During Labor Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 36 weeks gestation and reports severe lower back pain. What should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in light physical activity and maintaining good posture can help alleviate lower back pain during pregnancy by strengthening muscles and improving circulation. Resting may worsen the pain. Applying heat or cold packs may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Lying flat on her back for extended periods can lead to decreased blood flow to the uterus and potentially harm the baby.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 24 weeks gestation and reports feeling fatigued and weak. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's hemoglobin levels to check for anemia. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of anemia, especially in pregnant women. By assessing the hemoglobin levels, the nurse can determine if the patient is anemic and needs appropriate treatment. This step is crucial for identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms. Summary: B: Recommending a high-calorie diet may not address the root cause of the fatigue and weakness, which could be anemia. C: While rest is important during pregnancy, simply encouraging rest without investigating the cause of the symptoms may delay appropriate treatment. D: While gentle exercises can be beneficial during pregnancy, they may not be suitable if the patient is experiencing significant fatigue and weakness due to anemia.
Question 3 of 5
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports lower back pain. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing the patient's posture and recommending appropriate exercises can help alleviate lower back pain during pregnancy. Poor posture and lack of exercise are common causes of back pain in pregnancy. Administering pain medication as in choice A may not address the root cause. Instructing the patient to lie flat on her back (choice C) can actually worsen back pain and pose risks during pregnancy. Performing a pelvic exam (choice D) is not necessary unless there are specific indications for it related to the patient's complaint. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate initial action to address the lower back pain in this pregnant patient.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation is concerned about the possibility of preterm labor. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Monitoring the fetal heart rate and checking for signs of labor is the most appropriate action as it allows the nurse to assess the status of the pregnancy and the potential onset of preterm labor. This proactive approach helps in early identification and management of any concerning signs or symptoms. Administering magnesium sulfate (choice B) is not appropriate without proper assessment and indication. Encouraging rest and symptom monitoring (choice C) is beneficial but may not be sufficient for evaluating preterm labor. Recommending the patient lie flat on her back for 24 hours (choice D) is not evidence-based and could potentially cause harm.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports a sudden headache and blurred vision. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. This is the priority action because sudden headache and blurred vision are symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. Step 1: Assessing blood pressure is crucial to identify hypertension, a hallmark of preeclampsia. Step 2: Checking for other signs of preeclampsia, such as proteinuria and edema, helps confirm the diagnosis. Step 3: Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the potential life-threatening condition of preeclampsia and may delay appropriate treatment.