NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Maternity Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A primigravid client at 37 weeks' gestation has been hospitalized for several days with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. While caring for the client, the nurse observes that the client is beginning to have a seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A seizure in pregnancy-induced hypertension (eclampsia) is a medical emergency. Calling for immediate assistance ensures rapid intervention (e.g., magnesium sulfate). Padding rails, repositioning, or inserting a tongue blade (which is outdated) are secondary.
Question 2 of 5
A primigravid client at 39 weeks' gestation is admitted in early labor with contractions every 6 minutes. The nurse notes a fetal heart rate of 145 bpm with occasional variable decelerations. What is the nurse's first action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Variable decelerations may indicate umbilical cord compression. Repositioning the client to her left side is the first action to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation. Notification, oxygen, or increased fluids are considered if decelerations persist.
Question 3 of 5
A primigravida is admitted to the labor area with ruptured membranes and contractions occurring every 2 to 3 minutes, lasting 45 seconds. After 3 hours of labor, the client's contractions are now every 7 to 10 minutes, lasting 30 seconds. The nurse administers oxytocin (Pitocin) as ordered. The expected outcome of this drug is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxytocin is used to augment labor by increasing contraction frequency, duration, and intensity. The expected outcome is regular contractions every 2–3 minutes, lasting 40–60 seconds, with moderate intensity and adequate resting tone, promoting effective labor progression. The other options describe unrealistic or unrelated effects.
Question 4 of 5
A 16-year-old primigravid client, with a history of attending one prenatal visit, is admitted to the hospital in active labor at 37 weeks' gestation. Her cervix is 7 cm dilated with the presenting part at 0 station. She enters the labor unit appearing anxious and hyperventilating. Because of the hyperventilation, the nurse should assess the client for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperventilation causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory alkalosis (elevated blood pH). Metabolic imbalances are less likely, and respiratory acidosis occurs with hypoventilation.
Question 5 of 5
Two hours ago, a multigravid client was admitted in active labor with her cervix dilated at 5 cm and completely effaced and the fetus at 0 station. Currently, the client is experiencing nausea and vomiting, a slight chill with perspiration beads on her lip, and extreme irritability. The nurse should first:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nausea, chills, perspiration, and irritability are signs of the transition phase (8–10 cm dilation). Assessing cervical dilation and station confirms progression and guides care. Warming the room, increasing fluids, or administering antiemetics are secondary.