ATI RN
Maternal Diseases During Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
When caring for a pregnant woman who has antiphospholipid syndrome, the clinic nurse must especially observe for the development of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In caring for a pregnant woman with antiphospholipid syndrome, it is crucial for the clinic nurse to observe for the development of elevated blood pressure, as indicated by option C. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a condition that can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is essential in early detection and management of preeclampsia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Urinary tract infections (option A) are not directly associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. Nausea and vomiting (option B) are common pregnancy symptoms but are not specific to this condition. Reduced blood glucose level (option D) is not typically a concern with antiphospholipid syndrome. In an educational context, understanding the specific risks and complications associated with maternal diseases during pregnancy is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to provide optimal care to pregnant women. This question highlights the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms that may indicate potential complications, such as elevated blood pressure in a pregnant woman with antiphospholipid syndrome. Early identification and intervention can significantly impact the outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Question 2 of 5
During a prenatal interview, a client tells the nurse, 'My mother told me she had toxemia during her pregnancy and almost died!' Which of the following questions should the nurse ask in response to this statement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response to the client's statement is option D) "Did your mother say whether she had a seizure or not?" This question is pertinent because toxemia, also known as preeclampsia, is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and often involves seizures (eclampsia). By asking about seizures, the nurse can gather crucial information about the severity of the mother's condition and potential risks to the client. Option A) "Does your mother have a cardiac condition?" is incorrect as cardiac conditions are not directly related to toxemia. Option B) "Did your mother tell you what she was toxic from?" is incorrect because toxemia in pregnancy does not result from exposure to toxins. Option C) "Does your mother have diabetes now?" is incorrect as diabetes is a separate condition from toxemia/preeclampsia. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to ask specific and relevant questions to gather accurate information, assess risks, and provide appropriate care during pregnancy. Understanding the connection between toxemia and seizures is crucial in managing maternal health and ensuring positive outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of bed rest for a client with mild preeclampsia. Which of the following signs/symptoms would the nurse determine is a positive finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of mild preeclampsia, bed rest is often recommended to manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications. Weight loss would be considered a positive finding when evaluating the effectiveness of bed rest because it may indicate a reduction in edema, which is a common symptom of preeclampsia. Weight loss can also suggest a decrease in fluid retention and potentially improved circulation, which are beneficial in managing preeclampsia. Option B, 2+ proteinuria, is an indicator of renal involvement in preeclampsia and would not be considered a positive finding when evaluating the effectiveness of bed rest. It suggests ongoing kidney damage and the progression of the disease. Option C, decrease in plasma protein, is not a typical parameter used to evaluate the effectiveness of bed rest in managing mild preeclampsia. While preeclampsia can affect plasma proteins, it is not a direct measure of the response to bed rest. Option D, 3+ patellar reflexes, is not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of bed rest for preeclampsia. Increased deep tendon reflexes may indicate conditions like hyperthyroidism or neurological issues but are not specific to preeclampsia management. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind monitoring specific signs and symptoms in preeclampsia is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant women. Recognizing positive and negative findings helps nurses make informed decisions about patient care and treatment interventions.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse remarks to a 38-week-gravid client, 'It looks like your face and hands are swollen.' The client responds, 'Yes, you're right. Why do you ask?' The nurse's response is based on the fact that the changes may be caused by which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Altered glomerular filtration. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood volume and pressure, leading to altered kidney function. This alteration in glomerular filtration causes retention of sodium and water, resulting in edema or swelling, particularly in the face and hands. Option B) Cardiac failure is incorrect because swelling in the face and hands during pregnancy is not typically associated with cardiac issues unless there are pre-existing heart conditions. Option C) Hepatic insufficiency is incorrect as liver dysfunction does not directly cause swelling in the face and hands during pregnancy. Liver-related issues may manifest as jaundice or other symptoms. Option D) Altered splenic circulation is also incorrect because spleen-related problems do not usually result in swelling in the face and hands during pregnancy. Educationally, understanding the physiological changes during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and address common issues like edema. By knowing the impact of altered glomerular filtration, nurses can provide appropriate care and education to pregnant clients to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health.
Question 5 of 5
A client is admitted to the hospital with severe preeclampsia. The nurse is assessing for clonus. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the assessment of clonus in a client with severe preeclampsia, the correct action for the nurse to perform is to dorsiflex the woman's foot (Option C). Clonus is characterized by repetitive, rhythmic contractions and relaxations of a muscle. By dorsiflexing the foot, the nurse can elicit this response in the client, which is indicative of neurological hyperactivity associated with conditions like preeclampsia. Option A, striking the woman's patellar tendon, is incorrect as this action tests for deep tendon reflexes, not clonus. Palpating the woman's ankle (Option B) does not elicit a response related to clonus. Positioning the woman's feet flat on the floor (Option D) is also not directly related to assessing clonus. Educationally, understanding the specific assessment techniques for conditions like preeclampsia is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant clients. Proper assessment skills can help in early detection of complications, leading to timely interventions and improved outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Practicing and mastering these assessment techniques is vital for providing safe and effective care in maternal health settings.