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 case of a patient hospitalized at 34 weeks of gestation with pregnancy-induced hypertension, the purpose of amniocentesis would be to determine fetal lung maturity. This information is crucial in deciding whether early delivery is necessary due to complications like preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Option A, to determine if a metabolic disorder exists, is incorrect because amniocentesis is not typically used to diagnose metabolic disorders. This is usually done through genetic testing or other diagnostic procedures. Option B, to identify the sex of the fetus, is not a primary reason for performing amniocentesis in this scenario as determining fetal lung maturity is more pressing at 34 weeks. Option C, to identify abnormal fetal cells, is also not the primary objective of amniocentesis in this case. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the use of amniocentesis in different clinical situations is crucial for healthcare providers involved in maternal monitoring. It allows them to make informed decisions regarding the management of high-risk pregnancies and ensures the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
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 and maternal monitoring, understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals. In this question, the correct answer is option A) Amenorrhea. Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual periods, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy because it is one of the earliest indicators that a woman may be pregnant. Option B) Breast tenderness is not a presumptive sign but rather a probable sign of pregnancy. While breast changes are common in pregnancy, they are not specific to pregnancy and can occur due to hormonal fluctuations. Option C) Quickening, the first fetal movements felt by the mother, is considered a probable sign of pregnancy, not a presumptive sign. It typically occurs around the 18-20th week of pregnancy and is a more reliable indicator than presumptive signs. Option D) Frequent urination is also a probable sign of pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting the bladder's capacity. While it is a common symptom in pregnancy, it is not a presumptive sign like amenorrhea. Educationally, it is important for pharmacology students to differentiate between presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy as this knowledge can impact the assessment and care provided to pregnant patients. Understanding these signs helps in accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and management of maternal health during pregnancy.
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 blood flow to these areas due to pregnancy. This sign is a classic indicator of pregnancy and is caused by increased vascularity in the pelvic area. It is an important physiological change that occurs in women during pregnancy and is typically observed around the sixth week of gestation. Option A is incorrect because a purplish stretch mark on the abdomen is referred to as striae gravidarum, not 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 heard during breathing are not related to Chadwick's sign. In an educational context, understanding these physiological changes during pregnancy is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant women. By recognizing and explaining Chadwick's sign, nurses can provide accurate information to their clients, reassure them about normal pregnancy changes, and promote overall maternal well-being.
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 this scenario, the correct answer is A) Fetal heart rate via Doppler. At 10 weeks of gestation, the fetal heart rate can typically be detected using Doppler ultrasound, confirming the presence of a viable pregnancy. This method provides concrete evidence of pregnancy progression and is a direct indicator of fetal well-being. Option B) Positive pregnancy test is a reliable indicator of pregnancy, but at 10 weeks gestation, it is not as definitive as detecting the fetal heart rate. Pregnancy tests can sometimes yield false positives or negatives, so they are not as accurate as direct visualization of the fetus. Option C) Positive Chadwick's sign and Option D) Montgomery gland enlargements are both physical changes in the body that can occur during pregnancy, but they are not specific or definitive enough at 10 weeks gestation to confirm pregnancy. These signs are more indicative of early pregnancy changes rather than definitive proof of pregnancy. Educationally, understanding the various methods of confirming pregnancy and monitoring maternal health is crucial for nurses working in maternal care. Knowing the appropriate timing and reliability of different assessments can help ensure accurate and timely care for pregnant clients. Detecting the fetal heart rate via Doppler is a critical skill for nurses in assessing the progress and well-being of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy.
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 nurse midwife pushes on the mother's abdomen and then feels a rebound movement, this indicates that the fetus is floating in the amniotic fluid and can be pushed back and forth. This finding is significant as it confirms the presence of a live fetus and helps in assessing fetal well-being. Option A) The nurse midwife saw that the mucous plug was intact is incorrect because ballottement does not involve the assessment of the mucous plug. Option C) The nurse midwife palpated the fetal parts through the uterine wall is incorrect as it describes a different technique called palpation, not ballottement. 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. Educationally, understanding the concept of ballottement is crucial for healthcare professionals working in obstetrics as it aids in assessing fetal well-being and confirming pregnancy. It is essential for nurses and midwives to be able to differentiate between various techniques used in prenatal monitoring to provide accurate care to pregnant clients.