NCLEX-PN
Maternity NCLEX Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for the client who has been in the second stage of labor for the last 12 hours. The nurse should monitor for which cardiovascular change that occurs during this stage of labor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maternal HR is normally increased due to pain resulting from increased catecholamine secretion, fear, anxiety, and increased blood volume. When the laboring client holds her breath and pushes against a closed glottis, intrathoracic pressure rises. Blood in the lungs is forced into the left atrium, leading to a transient increase (not decrease) in cardiac output. Although the WBCS increase to 25,000/mm3 to 30,000/mm3 during labor and early postpartum as a physiological response to stress, this is not a cardiovascular change. During the second stage of labor, the maternal intravascular volume is increased (not decreased) by 300 to 500 mL of blood from the contracting uterus.
Question 2 of 5
The laboring client is experiencing problems, and the nurse is concerned about possible side effects from the epidural anesthetic just administered. Which problems should the nurse attribute to the epidural anesthetic? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Breakthrough pain can occur when the continuous infusion rate of the anesthetic agent is below the recommended rate for a therapeutic dose. Breakthrough pain can also occur when the client has a full bladder or when the cervix is completely dilated. A spinal headache can be a complication of epidural anesthesia and occurs when the dura is accidently punctured during epidural placement. A sensory level of T10 is usually maintained during epidural anesthesia; most women are unable to feel a full bladder or to void after receiving an epidural anesthetic. Maternal temperature may be elevated to 100.1°F (37.8°
C) or higher with an epidural. Sympathetic blockade may decrease sweat production and diminish heat loss. Hypertension is a contraindication for epidural anesthesia. A major side effect of epidural anesthesia is hypotension (not hypertension) caused by a spinal blockade, which lowers peripheral resistance, decreases venous return to the heart, and subsequently lessens cardiac output and lowers BP.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is evaluating the client in triage for possible labor. The client’s contractions are every 3 to 4 minutes, 60 to 70 seconds in duration, and moderate by palpation. Her cervical exam in the office was illustration 1. Her current exam is illustration 2. What conclusions should the nurse draw from illustration 2?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In illustration 2, the client is completely effaced and has some dilation. Illustration 1 (not illustration 2) shows that the client is neither effaced nor dilated. The cervical opening is minimally dilated, not completely dilated, and completely effaced. Illustration 2 shows some dilation.
Question 4 of 5
The pregnant client has been pushing for 2½ hours. After some difficulty, the large fetal head emerges. The HCP attempts to deliver the shoulders without success. Place the nurse’s actions in caring for this client in the correct sequence.
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: D,B,A,C,E
Rationale: Call for the neonatal resuscitation team to be present because of fetal distress. Place the client in exaggerated lithotomy position so the McRoberts’ maneuver can be performed (flexing her thighs sharply on her abdomen may widen the pelvic outlet and let the anterior shoulder be delivered). Apply suprapubic pressure per direction of the HCP. This is completed in an effort to dislodge the shoulder from under the pubic bone. Catheterize the client’s bladder. This will empty the bladder to make more room for the fetal head. Prepare for an emergency cesarean birth. This will be performed if all efforts for a vaginal birth fail.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is evaluating the 39-weeks-pregnant client who reports greenish, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Her temperature is 101.6°F (38.7°C), and the FHR is 120 with minimal variability and no accelerations. The client’s group beta streptococcus (GBS) culture is positive. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Because this client is not in labor and chorioamnionitis is possible, a cesarean birth is indicated. The client should be given antibiotics as prescribed to treat the infection. Because epidural anesthesia offers the least risk to the fetus, preparation for epidural anesthesia should begin. The pediatrician or neonatologist should be notified and available for the impending delivery. Starting oxytocin (Pitocin) would prolong the time to delivery. Administering a cervical ripening agent would prolong the time to delivery.