ATI RN
Current Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which description of postpartum restoration or healing times is accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is option B) Vaginal rugae reappear by 3 weeks postpartum. This is accurate because after childbirth, the vaginal walls lose their rugae (folds) due to stretching during labor. It takes about 3 weeks for these rugae to reappear as the vaginal tissues heal and regain their elasticity. Option A is incorrect because while the cervix does undergo changes postpartum, it does not return to its pre-pregnancy form within a month. It takes several weeks for the cervix to gradually return to its normal state. Option C is incorrect as most episiotomies, which are surgical incisions made during childbirth to aid delivery, take longer than a week to heal completely. Healing time can vary but typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Option D is incorrect as hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectal area common during pregnancy and childbirth, may take longer than 2 weeks to decrease in size and resolve. It can take several weeks to months for hemorrhoids to fully heal. Understanding the timeline of postpartum restoration and healing is crucial for maternal newborn nurses to provide accurate information and support to postpartum mothers. It helps in managing expectations, identifying complications, and promoting overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse providing dietary teaching for a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has phenylketonuriWhich of the following suggested foods should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of maternal newborn nursing, providing dietary teaching is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. In this scenario, the correct answer is option B) A sliced apple and red grapes. The rationale behind this choice is that fruits like apples and grapes are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are beneficial for maternal health and fetal development. Additionally, these fruits are low in phenylalanine, which is important for clients with phenylketonuria (PKU) as they need to restrict their intake of this amino acid. On the other hand, options A, C, and D are not ideal choices for a client with PKU. Option A contains peanut butter, which is high in protein and phenylalanine. Option C includes a chocolate chip cookie, which typically contains high amounts of protein and phenylalanine. Option D contains cheddar cheese, which is also high in phenylalanine. Educationally, understanding the dietary needs of clients with specific conditions such as PKU is essential for nurses working in maternal newborn care. By explaining the rationale behind the correct choice and highlighting why the other options are not suitable, nurses can provide effective and evidence-based dietary teaching to support optimal outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 1 week ago. The client states, 'I don't know what's wrong. I love my baby, but I feel so let down and I seem to cry for no reason.' The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following emotional responses to birth?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Postpartum blues. Postpartum blues, also known as baby blues, typically occur within the first week after childbirth and are characterized by feelings of sadness, mood swings, weepiness, and irritability. This emotional response is common and usually resolves on its own without intervention. Option A) Postpartum depression is a more severe and persistent condition that requires professional intervention and usually occurs later than the first week postpartum. Option B) Taking-in phase refers to the initial days postpartum when the mother is focused on her own recovery and is more dependent on others for care. Option D) Taking-hold phase is when the mother becomes more confident in caring for her baby and takes an active role in parenting, which is not reflective of the client's current emotional state. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to recognize the differences between these emotional responses after childbirth to provide appropriate support and intervention. Understanding the timing, symptoms, and implications of postpartum blues versus more serious conditions like postpartum depression is vital for promoting maternal mental health and well-being. Nurses play a key role in assessing, educating, and supporting new mothers during this critical period.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is admitting a client who is at 35 weeks of gestation and is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding due to placenta previWhich of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take is to initiate continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate (FHR) for several reasons. Firstly, the mild vaginal bleeding could indicate a placental issue such as placenta previa, which poses a risk to both the mother and the unborn baby. Continuous monitoring of the FHR allows for the early detection of any distress or changes in the baby's well-being, enabling prompt intervention if needed. This action is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. The other options are incorrect for various reasons. Administering a dose of betamethasone (Option B) is typically done to promote fetal lung maturity in cases of anticipated preterm birth, not in response to vaginal bleeding related to placenta previa at 35 weeks gestation. Checking the cervix for dilation every 8 hours (Option C) may not be the priority in this situation, as the immediate concern is monitoring the fetal well-being. Requesting misoprostol PRN (Option D) is not appropriate as misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening or induction of labor, which is not indicated in this scenario. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the management of complications in maternal newborn nursing is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to pregnant women and their babies. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of placenta previa, knowing the appropriate interventions, and understanding the importance of fetal monitoring are essential skills for nurses working in obstetric settings.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born vaginally with vacuum extractor assistance. The nurse notes swelling over the newborn's head that crosses the suture line. The nurse should identify the swelling as which of the following findings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Caput succedaneum. Caput succedaneum is a diffuse swelling of the newborn's scalp that crosses suture lines and is commonly seen in infants born vaginally with vacuum extractor assistance. It is caused by pressure on the baby's head during delivery and usually resolves within a few days. Option A) Nevus ammeus is a birthmark that appears as a bluish discoloration of the skin and is unrelated to the swelling seen in this case. Option C) Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between a baby's skull and the periosteum and does not cross suture lines. It is typically caused by trauma during delivery. Option D) Erythema toxicum is a common rash seen in newborns that presents as blotchy red spots with a central white or yellow papule. It is unrelated to the swelling observed in this scenario. Educationally, understanding the different types of newborn swellings and skin conditions is crucial for nurses working in maternal newborn care. Recognizing and correctly differentiating these conditions can help in providing appropriate care and interventions for newborns. This knowledge is essential for effective assessment, early detection of complications, and ensuring optimal outcomes for newborns and their families.