ATI RN
Maternal Monitoring Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the purpose of amniocentesis for a patient hospitalized at 34 weeks of gestation with pregnancy-induced hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Amniocentesis is a procedure where amniotic fluid is extracted from the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus. In the context of a patient hospitalized at 34 weeks of gestation with pregnancy-induced hypertension, the primary purpose of amniocentesis would be to determine fetal lung maturity. This information is crucial in deciding whether early delivery is necessary to prevent complications associated with prematurity. Option A, determining if a metabolic disorder exists, is not the primary reason for performing amniocentesis in this scenario. Metabolic disorders are typically assessed through genetic testing or other diagnostic procedures rather than amniocentesis. Option B, identifying the sex of the fetus, is not a valid reason for performing amniocentesis at 34 weeks of gestation in a patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension. The sex of the fetus does not impact the management of the pregnancy in this case. Option C, identifying abnormal fetal cells, is also not the primary purpose of amniocentesis in this context. While amniocentesis can detect genetic abnormalities, the immediate concern in a patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension at 34 weeks would be assessing fetal lung maturity to guide clinical decision-making. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the use of specific diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis in different clinical scenarios is crucial for healthcare providers involved in the care of pregnant women. It highlights the importance of timely and accurate assessments to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.
Question 2 of 5
An antenatal client is informing the nurse of her prenatal signs and symptoms. Which of the following findings would the nurse determine are presumptive signs of pregnancy? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers involved in maternal monitoring. In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Amenorrhea, which is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual periods and is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It occurs due to the hormonal changes that maintain the uterine lining to support the developing fetus. This sign is considered presumptive because it can also be caused by factors other than pregnancy. Option B) Breast tenderness is a possible sign of pregnancy, but it is not specific to pregnancy as it can also occur due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Option C) Quickening, which refers to the sensation of fetal movements, is a probable sign of pregnancy and typically occurs later in pregnancy, usually around the second trimester. Option D) Frequent urination is a common symptom in pregnancy due to the increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus. It is considered a possible sign but not a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Educationally, it is important for healthcare professionals to differentiate between presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy to accurately assess and monitor pregnant clients. Understanding these signs helps in providing appropriate care, support, and education to expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.
Question 3 of 5
A client asks the nurse what was meant when the physician told her she had a positive Chadwick’s sign. Which of the following information about the finding would be appropriate for the nurse to convey at this time?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) It is a bluish coloration of your cervix and vagina. Rationale: Chadwick's sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased vascularity due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. This physiological change occurs around the 6th week of pregnancy and is an indicator of increased blood flow in the pelvic area, preparing the body for childbirth. Option A is incorrect because a purplish stretch mark on the abdomen is not related to Chadwick's sign. Option B is incorrect as heart palpitations are not associated with Chadwick's sign. Option D is also incorrect as abnormal sounds on breathing are not indicative of Chadwick's sign. Educational Context: Understanding physical signs like Chadwick's sign is crucial for healthcare providers involved in maternal monitoring during pregnancy. It helps in assessing the progress of pregnancy and monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus. Educating clients about these signs enhances their understanding of the changes happening in their bodies and promotes active participation in their prenatal care.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse notes each of the following findings in a 10-week gestation client. Which of the findings would enable the nurse to tell the client that she is positively pregnant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In early pregnancy, the presence of a fetal heart rate via Doppler is the most definitive sign that a woman is positively pregnant. This is because the detection of a fetal heartbeat directly confirms the presence of a developing embryo or fetus within the uterus. Option A is correct because it provides direct evidence of the presence of the fetus, making it the most reliable indicator of pregnancy among the options given. Option B, a positive pregnancy test, detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the woman's urine or blood, which indicates pregnancy but does not definitively confirm the presence of a developing fetus. Options C and D, Chadwick's sign and Montgomery gland enlargements, respectively, are physical changes that occur in early pregnancy due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes, but they are not as definitive as detecting a fetal heartbeat. Educationally, understanding the various signs and symptoms of pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, involved in maternal monitoring. This knowledge helps them accurately assess and provide care for pregnant clients, ensuring optimal outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse midwife tells a client that the baby is growing and that ballottement was evident during the vaginal examination. How should the nurse explain what the nurse midwife means by ballottement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) The nurse midwife felt the baby rebound after being pushed. Ballottement is a technique used in obstetrics to assess fetal movement. When the healthcare provider pushes against the fetus, they feel a rebound movement or a floating back, indicating the fetus is freely movable in the amniotic fluid. This is a positive sign of fetal well-being and growth. Option A) The nurse midwife saw that the mucous plug was intact is incorrect because ballottement is not related to the mucous plug, which is a barrier that seals the cervix. Option C) The nurse midwife palpated the fetal parts through the uterine wall is incorrect because ballottement specifically refers to the rebound of the entire fetus, not just the palpation of fetal parts. Option D) The nurse midwife assessed that the baby is head down is incorrect because ballottement does not provide information about the baby's position in the uterus; it is solely a technique to assess fetal movement. Educationally, understanding terminologies and techniques used in maternal monitoring is crucial for healthcare providers working with pregnant clients. Ballottement is a valuable diagnostic tool that aids in assessing fetal well-being and development. By correctly identifying and interpreting ballottement, healthcare providers can provide accurate information to clients regarding their baby's growth and movement, contributing to effective prenatal care.