NCLEX-PN
Maternal NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which response by the nurse addresses the client's anxiety about childbirth?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging anxiety as normal and offering coping strategies like breathing exercises supports the client emotionally.
Question 2 of 5
The primigravida client has been pushing for 2 hours when the infant’s head emerges. The infant fails to deliver, and the obstetrician states that the turtle sign has occurred. Which should be the nurse’s interpretation of this information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The “turtle sign” occurs when the infant’s head suddenly retracts back against the mother’s perineum after emerging from the vagina, resembling a turtle pulling its head back into its shell. This head retraction is caused by the infant’s anterior shoulder being caught on the back of the maternal pubic bone (shoulder dystocia), preventing delivery of the remainder of the infant. Cephalopelvic disproportion occurs when the head is too large to fit through the client’s pelvis. Fetal descent ceases, and infant’s head would not emerge. Persistent occiput posterior results in prolonged pushing; however, once the head is born, the remainder of the birth occurs without difficulty. A cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord enters the cervix before the fetal presenting part and is considered a medical emergency.
Question 3 of 5
The postpartum client delivered a full-term infant 2 days previously. The client states to the nurse, “My breasts seem to be growing, and my bra no longer fits.” Which statement should be the basis for the nurse’s response to the client’s concern?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infection in the breast tissue results in flulike symptoms and redness and tenderness of the breast. It is usually unilateral and does not cause bilateral breast enlargement. Fluid is not retained during the postpartum period; rather, clients experience diuresis of the excess fluid volume accumulated during pregnancy. Fullness in both breasts would not be the result of thrombi formation. Symptoms of thrombi include redness, pain, and increased skin temperature over the thrombi. Breast tissue increases as breast milk forms, so a bra that was adequate during pregnancy may no longer be adequate by the second or third postpartum day.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse educates the breastfeeding client diagnosed with mastitis. The nurse evaluates that the client has an adequate understanding of how to prevent mastitis in the future when the client makes which statements? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Incorrect latch can cause nipple tissue to blister, crack, and bleed. These breaks in the tissue may serve as an entry point for pathogens. Hand hygiene prior to breastfeeding reduces the number of pathogens available for invasion. While the infant’s nose and throat are sources of pathogenic organisms that might cause mastitis, washing the infant’s mouth would be difficult and would not provide adequate protection for the mother. Wearing a tight bra, especially with an underwire, may restrict milk ducts, providing milk stasis and a medium for pathogenic growth. Allowing breasts to air-dry helps to reduce skin breakdown that might be caused by a moist, wet environment.
Question 5 of 5
The laboring multigravida client’s last vaginal examination was 8/90/+1. The client now states feeling rectal pressure. Which action should the nurse perform first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should first evaluate labor progress by performing another vaginal exam. Previously the client was almost fully effaced (90%), and fetal station was 1 cm below the ischial spines (+1). Rectal pressure is often due to pressure exerted during descent of the fetal presenting part. The client needs to be fully dilated (10 cm, not 8 cm) and fully effaced (100%, not 90%) before being encouraged to push. Pushing too early may cause cervical edema and lacerations and may slow the labor process. Rectal pressure may indicate that the client has progressed since the last vaginal exam. Another vaginal exam should be performed before contacting the obstetrician or midwife. During labor, rectal pressure is usually not due to the need for a bowel movement because intestinal motility decreases.