NCLEX-PN
Maternal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
On the basis of this finding, the nurse can assume that the client is at least how many months' pregnant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ballottement, the rebound of the fetus when the cervix is tapped, is typically detectable around 4-5 months, indicating at least 5 months' gestation.
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
The 22-year-old client tells the clinic nurse that her last menstrual period was 3 months ago, which began on November 21. She has a positive urine pregnancy test. Using Naegele’s rule, which date should the nurse calculate to be the client’s estimated date of confinement (EDC)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele’s rule is a common method to determine the EDC.
To calculate the EDC, subtract 3 months and add 7 days. This makes the EDC August 28. An EDC of January 28 was calculated by adding 2 months and 7 days. An EDC of August 15 was calculated by subtracting 3 months and 6 days. An EDC of January 15 was calculated by adding 2 months and subtracting 6 days.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse just administered butorphanol tartrate as prescribed to the client in active labor. Following administration of butorphanol tartrate, what is the nurse’s most important action to help prevent side effects?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Evaluating maternal VS and pulse oximetry would determine changes in respiratory and cardiac status. Respiratory depression in both the mother and fetus can occur with butorphanol tartrate (Stadol). Although bladder distention is a possible side effect of butorphanol tartrate, it is not common and is not the most important assessment. Seizures are not a potential side effect of butorphanol tartrate. An itchy rash is not a potential side effect of butorphanol tartrate.