ATI RN
labor and delivery questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
What should the nurse consider when the birthing person has a decrease in blood pressure after the placenta is delivered?
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Based on the scenario, the decrease in blood pressure post-placenta delivery indicates potential hemorrhage, a common complication. The nurse should assess for signs of bleeding, such as excessive vaginal bleeding or tachycardia. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further complications. Other choices are less relevant - pain alone does not directly cause a decrease in blood pressure, skin-to-skin contact is important but not the priority in this situation, and a distended bladder can be addressed later. Assessing for possible hemorrhage is the most critical action to take in this scenario.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
Which factor ensures that the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flexion is the correct answer. During labor, fetal head flexion allows the smallest anterior-posterior diameter of the head to enter the pelvis first, reducing the risk of cephalopelvic disproportion. Station refers to the level of the presenting part in the maternal pelvis, not the head orientation. Descent is the downward movement of the fetus in the birth canal, not related to head position. Engagement occurs when the widest part of the presenting part reaches the level of the maternal ischial spines, not specifically related to the orientation of the fetal head.