Which is an expected characteristic of amniotic fluid?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clear, with small white particles. Amniotic fluid is typically clear with small white particles, representing vernix caseosa. Vernix caseosa is a white, cheese-like substance that covers the skin of the fetus. It helps protect the skin and regulate body temperature. The presence of vernix particles in amniotic fluid is a normal and expected characteristic. Incorrect choices: A: Deep yellow color - Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly straw-colored. A deep yellow color may indicate the presence of meconium, which suggests fetal distress. C: Nitrazine test: acidic result - Amniotic fluid is normally alkaline, not acidic. An acidic result may indicate infection. D: Absence of ferning - Ferning is a characteristic pattern seen under a microscope in dried cervical mucus, not amniotic fluid. Absence of ferning in amniotic fluid is not a relevant characteristic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bolus of IV fluids. Hypotension after an epidural block is often due to vasodilation caused by the block. Administering IV fluids can help increase blood volume and improve blood pressure. This action is crucial in maintaining perfusion to vital organs. Choice B: Placing the patient in a Trendelenburg position can potentially worsen hypotension by increasing venous return to the heart, leading to further vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. Choice C: Administering oxygen via mask may be important in some situations but is not the primary intervention for hypotension caused by epidural block. Choice D: Raising the head of the bed slightly is not the best option for treating hypotension as it does not address the underlying cause of vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to painless vaginal bleeding. Placental abruption (choice A) presents with painful bleeding. Uterine rupture (choice C) typically causes severe abdominal pain. Cervical laceration (choice D) usually occurs during delivery and is not typically associated with painless bleeding during labor. Placenta previa is the most likely cause in this scenario due to painless bleeding and the absence of contractions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Blood glucose levels. During labor, it is crucial to monitor the blood glucose levels of a patient with a history of gestational diabetes to prevent complications such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can impact both the mother and the baby's health. Monitoring maternal blood pressure (A) is important but not the most critical factor in this scenario. Fetal heart rate (B) is essential but does not directly address the specific needs of a patient with a history of gestational diabetes. Maternal temperature (D) is also important but does not take precedence over monitoring blood glucose levels in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. In a woman in labor experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing, a pulmonary embolism should be suspected. This condition occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing chest pain and respiratory distress. Other choices are incorrect: B) Pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, not chest pain. C) Anxiety does not typically present with severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. D) Placental abruption involves separation of the placenta from the uterus, leading to vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, not chest pain.