NCLEX-PN
Maternal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse notifies the HCP after feeling a pulsating mass during the vaginal examination of a newly admitted full-term pregnant client. Which HCP order should the nurse question?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should question the administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). Oxytocin is used for stimulating contraction of the uterus. Uterine contractions can cause further umbilical cord compression. The pulsating mass indicates umbilical cord prolapse, which is a medical emergency. If vaginal birth is not imminent, a cesarean section is preferred in order to prevent hypoxic acidosis. Placing the client in a knee-chest position relieves pressure on the umbilical cord. Terbutaline (Brethine) is a tocolytic agent used to reduce contractions.
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 client is hospitalized at 30 weeks’ gestation in preterm labor. A test is performed to determine the lecithin to sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio, with results indicating a ratio less than 2:1. The nurse planning care for the client should expect to implement which interventions? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Bed rest will maximize placental oxygenation while fetal lung maturity continues. The client should be prepared for a nonstress test. This is used to monitor for uterine contractions and labor. Labor needs to be stopped until the fetal lungs are more fully developed. Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) is a corticosteroid and is given to stimulate fetal lung maturity. Hydralazine (Apresoline) is an antihypertensive agent and is administered to clients experiencing preeclampsia, not preterm labor. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent used to treat a vaginal infection; there is no indication that the client has a vaginal infection.
Question 4 of 5
The laboring client presents with ruptured membranes, frequent contractions, and bloody show. She reports a greenish discharge for 2 days. Place the nurse’s actions in the order that they should be completed.
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: C,A,B,D
Rationale: Obtain FHT should be first. The client has ruptured membranes with greenish fluid, and the fetus could be experiencing nonreassuring fetal status. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to determine labor progression. Assess the client thoroughly. This needs to be completed prior to notifying the HCP with the information. Notify the HCP is last of the options. Assessment findings would need to be reported to the HCP. The client should then be moved into an inpatient room.
Question 5 of 5
The client is diagnosed with moderate postpartum depression (PPD) after vaginal delivery of a 10 lb baby. One week following the delivery, the nurse is completing a home visit. Which finding should be the nurse’s priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lochia that is foul smelling could indicate that the client has a postpartum infection. The client needs to be seen by an HCP, but the safety of the infant is priority. The presence of tender hemorrhoids may be uncomfortable and should be addressed, but this is not priority. It is inappropriate for the client to yell at her baby to stop crying. Verbal abuse can escalate to physical abuse. The safety of the infant should be the nurse’s priority. Persistent crying is a sign of PPD and would be expected. However, persistent crying should be further explored because treatment may be ineffective.