The nurse is counseling a woman who wants to become pregnant. The woman tells the nurse that she has a 36-day menstrual cycle and the first day of her menstrual period was January *. The nurse correctly calculates that the woman's next fertile period is

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: This woman can expect her next period to begin 36 days from the first day of her last menstrual period - the cycle begins at the first day of the cycle and continues to the first day of the next cycle. Her next period would, therefore, begin on February 13. Ovulation occurs 14 days before the first day of the menstrual period. Therefore, ovulation for this woman would occur January 31 (C).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of a client suspected of abruptio placentae, the charge nurse should expect findings that are indicative of this serious obstetric emergency. Lower back pain (option B) is not typically associated with abruptio placentae. A) Dark, red vaginal bleeding is a common sign of abruptio placentae due to the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. C) A rigid abdomen may be present due to the uterine contractions and potential blood accumulation behind the placenta. D) Increased uterine irritability is expected as the uterus tries to expel the separated placenta. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of abruptio placentae is crucial for nurses working in labor and delivery units to provide timely and appropriate care in emergency situations. Recognizing these signs promptly can lead to quick interventions that can potentially save both the mother and baby's lives.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) It is difficult to consume 18 mg of additional iron by diet alone. During pregnancy, a woman's iron requirements increase significantly to support the growing fetus and changes in her own body. It is challenging to meet this increased demand through diet alone, as the body's ability to absorb iron from food is limited. Therefore, supplementary iron in the form of tablets is often prescribed to ensure that the mother and the developing baby receive an adequate amount of iron. Option A is incorrect because while supplementary iron is important during pregnancy, the efficiency of its utilization is not the primary reason for prescribing it. Option C is incorrect because iron absorption is actually increased in the GI tract during pregnancy to help meet the higher demand. Option D is incorrect because iron is primarily needed to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, not megaloblastic anemia, in pregnancy. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the specific nutritional needs of pregnant women and the rationale behind prescribing supplements like iron. This knowledge enables them to provide evidence-based care and support the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. By explaining the challenges of meeting increased iron requirements through diet alone, nurses can empower pregnant women to adhere to their prescribed supplements and optimize their health outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the most appropriate maternal behavior when a new mother receives her infant for the first time. This choice reflects a gentle and nurturing approach as the mother traces the infant's profile with her fingertips, showing a sense of care, tenderness, and bonding with the newborn. Option A is incorrect as it describes a more clinical and detached approach to examining the infant, lacking the emotional connection and gentleness seen in the correct response. Option C is incorrect because simply cuddling the infant to her own body does not demonstrate the same level of attentiveness and delicacy as tracing the infant's profile with her fingertips. Option D is also incorrect as it focuses more on holding the infant close without the added element of gentle touch and exploration shown in option B. By choosing option B, the nurse is likely to witness a mother's instinctual and affectionate response to her newborn, fostering early bonding and attachment, which are vital for the infant's emotional and social development. This understanding is crucial for nurses working in maternity care to promote positive parent-infant relationships and support healthy early interactions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Erythromycin ointment is instilled into the lower conjunctive of each eye within 2 hours after birth to prevent ophthalmic neonatorum, an infection caused by gonorrhea, and inclusion conjunctivitis, an infection caused by chlamydia (C). The infant may be exposed to these bacteria when passing the birth canal.