ATI RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. What finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the scenario of a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia, the finding that indicates magnesium toxicity is a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute (Option C). This is due to the fact that magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant and can lead to respiratory depression as a sign of toxicity. A decreased respiratory rate is a critical indicator of magnesium toxicity and requires prompt intervention to prevent further complications such as respiratory arrest. Option A, increased urine output, is not indicative of magnesium toxicity but rather a desired effect of magnesium sulfate which helps to prevent fluid overload and maintain renal function in preeclamptic clients. Option B, deep tendon reflexes +4, is a common finding in clients receiving magnesium sulfate as it is a magnesium antagonist. Hyperactive reflexes are actually a sign of magnesium deficiency rather than toxicity. Option D, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, is within normal range for a pregnant client with preeclampsia and does not specifically indicate magnesium toxicity. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of magnesium toxicity is crucial for nurses caring for clients receiving magnesium sulfate therapy during pregnancy. Recognizing these signs promptly is essential to prevent serious complications and ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Regular monitoring and assessment are key components of managing clients on magnesium therapy.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. What finding indicates the need to discontinue the infusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia, a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a serious adverse effect of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression, which can progress to respiratory arrest if not addressed promptly. Therefore, discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Option A (urine output of 50 mL/hour) is not a reason to discontinue the infusion as it falls within the expected range for a client receiving magnesium sulfate. Option C (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg) is also not an immediate concern in the context of preeclampsia management. Option D (deep tendon reflexes +3) is a common finding in clients receiving magnesium sulfate and does not indicate the need to discontinue the infusion unless accompanied by other signs of magnesium toxicity. Educationally, understanding the signs of magnesium toxicity is vital for nurses caring for clients on magnesium sulfate therapy. Respiratory rate monitoring, along with other assessments, is critical to early identification of magnesium toxicity, allowing for prompt intervention to ensure client safety.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is teaching a prenatal class about warning signs in pregnancy. Which symptom should be reported immediately?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In prenatal education, it is crucial to highlight warning signs that could indicate potential complications requiring immediate medical attention. The correct answer is B) Headache unrelieved by rest or medication. This symptom can be indicative of conditions like preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, which are serious and require prompt evaluation to prevent harm to both the mother and the baby. Option A) Mild swelling in the feet is common in pregnancy but not typically a cause for immediate concern unless it is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like high blood pressure. Option C) Increased appetite is a normal part of pregnancy for many women and is not usually a warning sign unless it is extreme and accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Option D) Frequent urination is a common pregnancy symptom due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder. It is not typically a cause for immediate alarm unless it is accompanied by pain, burning, or other symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Educationally, teaching about these warning signs empowers pregnant individuals to recognize when they should seek medical help promptly, promoting better outcomes for both mother and baby. It is essential for prenatal classes to cover these topics comprehensively to ensure the well-being of expectant mothers and their babies.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks' gestation who reports sharp abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Abruptio placentae. Abruptio placentae is a serious obstetric complication where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before delivery. The symptoms of sharp abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding described by the client are classic signs of abruptio placentae, indicating a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent maternal and fetal complications such as hemorrhage and fetal distress. Option B) Placenta previa is characterized by painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, not sharp abdominal pain as in this case. Preterm labor, option C, typically presents with regular uterine contractions and cervical changes, rather than sharp abdominal pain and bleeding. Option D) Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, which usually presents with fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid, not necessarily sharp abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to understand the distinguishing features of obstetric emergencies like abruptio placentae to provide timely and appropriate care to pregnant individuals. Recognizing the signs and symptoms, as well as understanding the potential risks associated with each condition, enables nurses to quickly assess and intervene in critical situations to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Question 5 of 5
A client at 35 weeks' gestation with polyhydramnios is being monitored for complications. What condition is the client at increased risk for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Umbilical cord prolapse. Polyhydramnios, an excessive amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus, can increase the risk of umbilical cord prolapse. When there is too much amniotic fluid, the baby has more room to move around, which can lead to the umbilical cord slipping through the cervix before the baby during birth, cutting off blood flow and oxygen. Placental abruption (B) is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and is not directly associated with polyhydramnios. Fetal growth restriction (C) is a condition where a baby does not grow at the expected rate and is not typically linked to polyhydramnios. Gestational diabetes (D) is a condition of elevated blood sugar during pregnancy and is not directly related to polyhydramnios. In the context of maternal newborn nursing, understanding the implications of polyhydramnios is crucial for monitoring and managing maternal and fetal well-being. Educating healthcare providers on these associations helps in early identification and intervention to prevent potential complications during labor and delivery.