ATI RN
labor and delivery questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
What changes in hormones initiate labor?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because decreased progesterone, increased estrogen, and the effects of oxytocin are the hormonal changes that initiate labor. Progesterone inhibits contractions, so its decrease allows labor to begin. Estrogen promotes uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, which stimulates contractions. Oxytocin is released in response to labor contractions and helps to strengthen contractions. A: Incorrect because decreased progesterone is needed for labor to start, estrogen needs to increase, and oxytocin is present during labor. B: Incorrect because increased progesterone inhibits labor, estrogen should increase, and oxytocin is present during labor. C: Incorrect because progesterone should decrease, estrogen should increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.
Question 2 of 5
What anticipatory guidance should the nurse provide for new parents regarding sociologic changes?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare them for possible strains on relationships. This guidance is important as the arrival of a newborn can bring significant changes to the dynamics of a relationship. By preparing new parents for possible strains on relationships, the nurse can help them navigate challenges together. A: Incorrect. Roles are likely to change at home with the addition of a newborn, so it is important to address this rather than dismissing it. B: Incorrect. Stressors may actually increase with the arrival of a newborn, so it is not accurate to say stresses will be over. C: Incorrect. Ignoring household changes can lead to added stress, so it is not advisable to tell parents not to stress over them. In summary, option D is correct as it addresses the potential strains on relationships that new parents may face, while the other options do not acknowledge the reality of sociologic changes that can occur.
Question 3 of 5
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what was revealed about the importance of labor support?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because patients who experienced a support ban during the pandemic were more likely to suffer from depression due to lack of emotional and physical support. This is supported by research showing the positive impact of labor support on maternal mental health and birth outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as labor support can also be provided by healthcare professionals. Choice B is incorrect as laboring patients benefit from emotional and physical support during childbirth. Choice C is incorrect as pandemic requirements did impact birth outcomes, especially for patients who lacked support.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is directing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to obtain maternal vital signs between contractions. Which statement is the appropriate rationale for assessing maternal vital signs between contractions raNtheRr thaIn aGt anBot.heCr inMterval? U S N T O
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. During contractions, maternal circulating blood volume increases temporarily due to the compression of blood vessels. Therefore, assessing vital signs between contractions provides a more accurate baseline measurement. Choice A is incorrect because vital signs taken during contractions may be affected by the pain and stress of labor. Choice B is incorrect as fetal heart rate assessment is a separate priority. Choice C is incorrect as maternal blood flow to the heart actually increases during contractions to ensure adequate oxygen supply.
Question 5 of 5
Pregnant patients can usually tolerate the normal blood loss associated with childbirth because of which physiologic adaptation to pregnancy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased blood volume. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 40-50% to support the growing fetus and prepare for potential blood loss during childbirth. This increased blood volume helps pregnant patients tolerate the normal blood loss during delivery. A higher hematocrit (choice A) could indicate dehydration, not increased blood volume. Increased leukocytes (choice B) are related to the immune response, not blood loss tolerance. A lower fibrinogen level (choice D) could lead to increased bleeding risk, not tolerance to blood loss.