ATI RN
Intrapartum Complications Questions
Question 1 of 5
What intervention may be used to manage failure to descend during labor?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because using forceps or a vacuum to assist delivery can help manage failure to descend during labor by aiding in the descent of the baby through the birth canal. Forceps or vacuum extraction can provide the necessary assistance to safely deliver the baby when maternal pushing alone is insufficient. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Administering pain medication does not address the underlying issue of failure to descend during labor. B: Allowing the patient to rest may not resolve the issue of failure to descend and could potentially delay necessary interventions. C: Continuing to push for an extended period of time without progress can lead to maternal exhaustion and fetal distress without addressing the root cause of failure to descend.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse will monitor for aspiration, thought processes, and improved mobility after which complication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse monitors for aspiration due to potential bleeding or clotting issues postpartum. Monitoring thought processes is important as postpartum hemorrhage can lead to hypovolemic shock affecting cognition. Improved mobility is assessed as excessive bleeding can cause weakness. Neurologic dysfunction (choice A) is not directly related to postpartum hemorrhage. Measuring blood loss (choice B) is important but not the primary focus after postpartum hemorrhage. Gestational diabetes (choice C) is a separate condition unrelated to postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assisting with the preparation of a patient admitted for a planned cesarean birth. The patient has signed the consent form and discussed the elected regional anesthesia with the nurse anesthetist. Which is the most important action for the nurse related to anesthesia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. NPO status is crucial to prevent aspiration during anesthesia administration. 2. Anesthesia guidelines typically require patients to be NPO for 6-8 hours. 3. Failure to verify NPO status can lead to serious complications. 4. Ensuring NPO status is a fundamental safety measure in anesthesia administration. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. Starting an IV and administering fluids are important but not as critical as verifying NPO status for anesthesia safety. C. Administering preoperative medications is important, but ensuring NPO status takes precedence to prevent aspiration. D. Obtaining a fetal heart rate monitor strip is important for monitoring the baby's well-being but does not directly impact anesthesia safety.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is providing care in PACU for a patient who just delivered a neonate via cesarean section. The patient reports tightness in her chest. Assessment findings include tachypnea, hypotension, and decreasing oxygen saturation levels. Which complication does the nurse report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. The patient's symptoms of chest tightness, tachypnea, hypotension, and decreasing oxygen saturation levels are indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, which is a serious complication post-cesarean section. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing respiratory distress and cardiovascular compromise. The nurse should report this immediately to the healthcare provider for prompt intervention to prevent further complications. Incorrect choices: B: Postpartum hemorrhage - Symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage include excessive bleeding, not chest tightness and respiratory distress. C: Surgical-site infection - Symptoms of surgical-site infection include redness, swelling, and drainage at the incision site, not chest tightness and respiratory distress. D: Developing endometritis - Symptoms of endometritis include fever, pelvic pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge, not chest tightness and respiratory distress.
Question 5 of 5
In preparation for a cesarean birth, the nurse expects which medical-based preoperative interventions? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because being NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 to 8 hours before surgery helps prevent aspiration during anesthesia. Option A is incorrect because broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically used to cover a wider range of potential pathogens. Option C is not a medical-based preoperative intervention. Option D, while important, is more related to postoperative care rather than preoperative interventions.