ATI RN
high risk labor and delivery nclex questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which physiologic event is the key indicator of the commencement of true labor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation and effacement. This is because true labor is defined by progressive cervical changes, including dilation (opening of the cervix) and effacement (thinning of the cervix). These changes indicate that the body is preparing for childbirth. A: Bloody show may occur during early labor but is not a definitive indicator. C: Fetal descent into the pelvic inlet is a later event in labor. D: Uterine contractions every 7 minutes are not necessarily indicative of true labor as they need to be regular, increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration.
Question 2 of 5
A patient in labor presents with a breech presentation. The nurse understands that a breech presentation is associated with
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: umbilical cord compression. In a breech presentation, the baby's bottom or feet are positioned to come out first, which can lead to potential umbilical cord compression during labor. This compression can compromise fetal oxygenation and circulation, posing a serious risk to the baby's well-being. The other choices are incorrect because a breech presentation is not typically associated with more rapid labor (choice A), a high risk of infection (choice B), or maternal perineal trauma (choice C). It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring for signs of umbilical cord compression in cases of breech presentation to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
Question 3 of 5
Which assessment finding would cause a concern for a patient who had delivered vaginally?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a white blood cell count of 28,000 mm3 postbirth indicates a possible infection, such as endometritis, which is a common postpartum complication. Elevated WBC count is a sign of an inflammatory process or infection, requiring further investigation and treatment. A: EBL of 500 mL is within the normal range for a vaginal delivery and may not necessarily indicate a concern. C: Patient complaints of fingers tingling may suggest temporary nerve compression or positional discomfort, not a significant concern post vaginal delivery. D: Patient complaining of thirst is a common symptom and not necessarily indicative of a complication post vaginal delivery.
Question 4 of 5
If a notation on the patient’s health record states that the fetal position is LSP, this indicates that the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because LSP stands for Left Sacrum Posterior, indicating the baby's buttocks are in the left posterior quadrant of the pelvis. In this position, the baby's head will typically be in the right anterior quadrant of the pelvis. Choice A is incorrect as it describes the head in the right posterior quadrant. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the head in the left anterior quadrant. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the buttocks in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which is not related to the fetal position LSP.
Question 5 of 5
A laboring patient states to the nurse, "I have to push!” What is the next nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Examining the patient's cervix for dilation is the next nursing action because it will help determine the progress of labor and assess if it is safe for the patient to push. Contacting the health care provider (choice A) may delay necessary interventions. Reviewing how to bear down (choice C) is important but assessing cervical dilation takes precedence. Asking the partner to support her head (choice D) is not a priority in this situation.