NCLEX-PN
Maternal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The Caucasian postpartum client asks the nurse if the stretch marks (striae gravidarum) on her abdomen will ever go away. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Stretch marks will fade but will not totally disappear. Stretch marks will fade and will not always appear reddened. There is no evidence that keeping the skin hydrated will lighten the appearance of the stretch marks. In Caucasian women, stretch marks will fade to a pale white over 3 to 6 months.
Question 2 of 5
The client, who had preeclampsia and delivered vaginally 4 hours ago, is still receiving magnesium sulfate IV. When assessing the client’s deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), the nurse finds that they are both weak, at 1+, whereas previously they were 2+ and 3+. Which actions should the nurse plan? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: The HCP should be notified about the decreased DTRs because weakening of these may indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. Increasing the magnesium sulfate dose would worsen the situation and could lead to a depressed respiratory rate. Any time the client is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion, the nurse should be prepared for the possibility of needing the antidote, calcium gluconate. The nurse should assess the client’s vital signs and level of consciousness, as decreased level of consciousness and respiratory effort are serious side effects of magnesium sulfate. The nurse should ask the HCP about drawing a serum magnesium level (not a serum calcium level) to determine whether the client is experiencing magnesium toxicity.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for the client who just gave birth. Which observation of the client should lead the nurse to be concerned about the client’s attachment to her male infant?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Seeking information about infant care is a sign that the mother is developing attachment to her infant. Pointing out family traits or characteristics seen in the newborn is a sign that the mother is developing attachment. Calling the infant by name is a sign that the mother is developing attachment to her infant. Attachment is demonstrated by expressing satisfaction with a baby’s appearance and sex. Frequent expressions of dissatisfaction with the sex of the infant should be concerning and followed up.
Question 4 of 5
Two hours after delivery, the mother tells the nurse that she will be bottle feeding. She asks what she can do to prevent the terrible pain experienced when her milk came in with her last baby. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In comparison studies between breast binders and bras, mothers using binders experienced more engorgement and discomfort. Engorgement is not familial and not inevitable in bottle-feeding mothers. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra within 6 hours after birth can suppress lactation. The bra should be worn continuously, except for showering, until lactation is suppressed (usually 7 to 14 days). Signs of engorgement usually occur on the third to fifth postpartum day (not right after birth), and engorgement will spontaneously resolve by the tenth day postpartum.
Question 5 of 5
The postpartum client, who is 24 hours post—vaginal birth and breastfeeding, asks the nurse when she can begin exercising to regain her prepregnancy body shape. Which response by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: On the first postpartum day, the client should be taught to start abdominal breathing and pelvic rocking. Kegel exercises, which should have been taught during pregnancy, should be continued. Simple exercises should be added daily until, by 2 to 3 weeks postpartum, the mother should be able to do sit-ups and leg raises. Abdominal and pelvic exercises can begin right away and not wait for the 6-week postpartum checkup. There is no reason for the client to wait until the lochia has stopped before beginning exercises. There is no reason that a breastfeeding mother should not begin abdominal and pelvic exercises now.