ATI RN
Antenatal and postnatal complications Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which intrapartal assessment should be avoided when caring for a patient with HELLP syndrome?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Abdominal palpation Rationale: Abdominal palpation can lead to increased risk of placental abruption in patients with HELLP syndrome. This can cause severe hemorrhage and compromise fetal and maternal well-being. Therefore, it should be avoided. Summary of other choices: - B: Venous sample of blood: Necessary for assessing blood parameters in patients with HELLP syndrome. - C: Checking deep tendon reflexes: Important for evaluating neurological status in patients with HELLP syndrome. - D: Auscultation of the heart and lungs: Essential for monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory function in patients with HELLP syndrome.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with preeclampsia is admitted complaining of pounding headache, visual changes, and epigastric pain. Nursing care is based on the knowledge that these signs indicate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the symptoms described (headache, visual changes, epigastric pain) are classic signs of worsening preeclampsia, indicating impending eclampsia with seizures. This requires urgent intervention to prevent serious complications. Option A is incorrect as gastrointestinal upset does not typically present with these specific signs. Option B is incorrect as magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia, not cause the symptoms described. Option C is incorrect as anxiety would not cause the specific symptoms mentioned. In summary, the signs described point towards worsening disease and the likelihood of impending convulsions, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Question 3 of 5
Which finding on a prenatal visit at 10 weeks might suggest a hydatidiform mole?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fundal height measurement of 18 cm. At 10 weeks of gestation, the fundal height should typically measure around 10-12 cm. A fundal height measurement of 18 cm would suggest excessive growth, which is a characteristic finding in a hydatidiform mole due to abnormal proliferation of placental tissue. Incorrect choices: A: Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is within normal range and not specific to hydatidiform mole. B: Complaint of frequent mild nausea is a common symptom in early pregnancy and not specific to a mole. D: History of bright red spotting for 1 day weeks ago is more indicative of a potential previous miscarriage, not necessarily a mole.
Question 4 of 5
A patient taking magnesium sulfate has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. In addition to discontinuing the medication, which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer calcium gluconate. This is because magnesium sulfate can lead to respiratory depression by inhibiting neuromuscular transmission. Calcium gluconate is the antidote as it competes with magnesium for binding sites, reversing its effects. Increasing IV fluids (A) is not directly related to addressing respiratory depression. Vigorously stimulating the patient (C) can exacerbate respiratory depression. Instructing the patient to take deep breaths (D) may not be effective in addressing respiratory depression caused by magnesium sulfate.
Question 5 of 5
A high-risk labor patient progresses from preeclampsia to eclampsia. Aggressive management is instituted, and the fetus is delivered via cesarean birth. Which finding in the immediate postoperative period indicates that the patient is at risk of developing HELLP syndrome?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count of 50,000/mcL. In HELLP syndrome, there is hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. A platelet count of 50,000/mcL indicates thrombocytopenia, a key feature of HELLP syndrome. It signifies ongoing coagulation abnormalities and liver dysfunction. B: Liver enzyme levels within normal range is incorrect as HELLP syndrome typically presents with elevated liver enzymes. C: Negative for edema is incorrect as edema is not a defining characteristic of HELLP syndrome. D: No evidence of nausea or vomiting is incorrect as these symptoms are not specific to HELLP syndrome.