1.
On completion of a vaginal examination on a laboring woman, the nurse records: 50%, 6 cm, –1. What is the correct interpretation of the data?
Correct Answer
A. A. The fetal presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines
Explanation
Rationale: Station of –1 indicates that the fetal presenting part is above the ischial spines and has not yet passed through the pelvic inlet. * pg. 380
2.
A woman is in active labor with her first child when her membranes rupture. She voices a
concern to the nurse that she is afraid of having a “dry labor.” Which of the following responses by the nurse would be MOST appropriate? THIS MAY NOT BE ON THE EXAM
Correct Answer
B. “The amniotic sac may impede the progress of labor and is often ruptured artificially.”
Explanation
Correct—sometimes done to assist or induce labor
3.
A primipara is admitted in early labor, and her membranes rupture. Which of the following assessments by the nurse are MOST important.
Correct Answer
D. Assess for a prolapsed cord.
Explanation
A. amniotic fluid is important to check to differentiate it from the urine; pH will be acidic if it is urine
B. Mother’s blood pressure is not affected by rupture of the membranes
C. Nurse should look for variable decelerations if the cord is prolapsed
D. Correct—initial assessment is to check for a prolapsed cord
4.
During the fourth stage of labor, the nurse should palpate the fundus.
Correct Answer
B. At the umbilicus
Explanation
B uterus is normally contracted and palpable at the umbilicus.
5.
The nurse is caring for a 22-year-old woman who is completing the first stage of labor. The woman’s husband is at her side and has been coaching her according to exercises they learned in natural childbirth classes. Suddenly the woman begins to shake and screams, “I can't stand this anymore!” Should the nurse encourage the husband to? MAY NOT BE ON THE TEST.
Correct Answer
A. Instruct his wife to use shallow respirations during the contractions.
Explanation
A: Entering transition phase of first stage of labor, slow, shallow breaths needed (pant breathing) *pg. 464 table 18-5
6.
A 28-year-old woman at 39 weeks gestation in active labor screams, “I have to push, I have to push.” The nurse notes that the client is 8 cm dilated. Should the nurse?
Correct Answer
D. Tell the client to pant with pursed lips.
Explanation
Answer D: describes transition phase of labor, breathing technique allows the patient to control
pain and urge to push and promotes adequate oxygenation of fetus LOOK AT PG. 464 table 18-5
7.
The nurse discusses symptoms of the onset of labor with a 26-year-old primipara. Which of the following statements, if made by the client to the nurse, indicates a need for further teaching? THIS MAY NOT BE ON THE EXAM
Correct Answer
A. “I will note an increase in fetal movement.”
Explanation
Answer: A . usually, movement decreases with the onset of labor
8.
The nurse assesses a prolonged deceleration of the fetal heart rate while the client is receiving
oxytocin IV to stimulate labor. The priority nursing intervention would be to
Correct Answer
A. Discontinue the infusion
Explanation
A : will decrease contractions and thus possibly remove uterine pressure to the fetus,
which possibly cause of deceleration
9.
During a nonstress test (NST), the nurse observes several late decelerations. Which of the
following nursing actions is MOST appropriate? THIS MAY NOT BE ON THE EXAM
Correct Answer
B. Notify the pHysician for further evaluation.
Explanation
A. does not resolve the immediate problem
B. correct— the appearance of any decelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR) during NST should
be immediately evaluated by the physician
C does not resolve the immediate problem
D. incorrect for this test; oxytocin (Pitocin) is not used for the nonstress test
10.
The newborn infant of an HIV-positive mother is admitted to the nursery. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer
A. Standard precautions.
Explanation
correct–provides immediate protective care for the staff * pg.. 643
11.
At 1 minute following birth, the newborn exhibited the following: heart rate of 155; loud, vigorous crying with active movement of all extremities; sneezing when the nose is stimulated with a catheter; hands and feet bluish and cool to the touch. The Apgar score of this newborn should be recorded as?
Correct Answer
C. 9
Explanation
Answer: C. The newborn receives 2 points each for a heart rate over 100 beats/min, a vigorous cry, active movement, and sneezing as a response to nasal stimulation. The newborn receives 1 point for color since he exhibits acrocyanosis.
12.
Which of the following rationales best explains why a pregnant client should lie on her left side when resting or sleeping in the later stages of pregnancy?
Correct Answer
C. To prevent compression of vena cava
Explanation
3. to prevent compression of the vena cava
the weight of the preg uterus is sufficiently heavy to compress the vena cava, which could impair blood flow to the uterus, possibly decreasing oxygen to the fetus. The side-lying position hasn't been shown to prevent fetal anomalies nor bladder emptying and or digestion
13.
A woman with a term, uncomplicated pregnancy comes into L&D in early labor, saying that she thinks her water broke. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer
B. Note color, amt, and odor of the fluid
Explanation
Noting the color, amount, and odor of the fluid as well as the time of the rupture, will help guide the nurse in her next action. There's no need to call the doctor to prep the client for delivery if the fluid is clear and delivery isn't imminent. ROM isn't unusual in the early stages of labor. Fluid collection for microbe analysis isn't routine, and there's no concern for infection/maternal fever.
14.
A client at 42 weeks gest is 3cm dilated, 30% effaced, with membranes intact, and the fetus at +2 station. FHR is at 140-150 bpm. After 2 hours, the nurse notes on the EFM that, for the past 10 min, the FHR ranged from 160-190bpm. The client states that her baby has been extremely active. UCs are strong, occurring every 3-4 min. and lasting 40-60 sec. Which of the following findings would indicate fetal hypoxia?
Correct Answer
D. Excessive fetal activity and fetal tachycardia
Explanation
4. Excessive fetal activity and fetal tachycardia and excessive fetal activity are the FIRST SIGNS OF FETAL HYPOXIA. The duration of UCs is w/in normal limits.
Uterine intensity can be mild-strong and still be w/in normal limits.
The frequency of contractions is w/in normal limits for the active phase of labor.
15.
The cervix of a 26-year-old primigravida in labor is 5cm dilated and 75% effaced, and the fetus is at 0 stations. The doctor prescribes a regional epidural block. Into which of the following positions should the nurse place the client when the epidural is admin?
Correct Answer
D. Lateral
Explanation
The client should be placed on her left side or sitting upright, with her shoulders parallel and legs slightly flexed. Her back shouldn't be flexed because this increases the possibility that the dura may be punctured, and the anesthetic will accidentally be given as spinal, not epidural, anesthesia.
16.
Which of the following terms is used to describe the thinning and shortening of the cervix that occurs just before and during labor?
Correct Answer
C. Effacement
Explanation
Effacement is cervical shortening and thinning, while dilation is widening of the cervix. Both facilitate opening the cervix in prep for delivery. Ballottement is the ability of another individual to move the fetus by externally manipulating the maternal abdomen. A ballotable fetus hasn't yet engaged in the maternal pelvis. Multiparous refers to a woman who has had previous live births.
17.
Which of the following fetal positions is most favorable for birth?
Correct Answer
A. Vertex (CepHalic, Longitudinal Lie)
Explanation
The most favorable fetal position for birth is the Vertex (Cephalic, Longitudinal Lie) position. In this position, the baby's head is down, facing the birth canal, which allows for a smoother and easier delivery. This position is considered ideal because it aligns the baby's head with the mother's pelvis, allowing for a more efficient descent through the birth canal. Transverse lie refers to a position where the baby is lying horizontally across the uterus, which can make vaginal delivery difficult or impossible. Frank breech presentation refers to a position where the baby's buttocks are down and the legs are straight up, which also presents challenges for vaginal delivery. Therefore, the Vertex position is the most favorable for birth.
18.
Which of the following nursing actions is required before a client in labor receives an epidural?
Correct Answer
A. Give a fluid bolus of 500 ml
Explanation
Give a fluid bolus of 500 ml. One of the major adverse effects of epidural admin is hypotension; therefore, a 500ml fluid bolus is usually admin to help prevent hypotension in the client who wishes to receive an epidural for pain relief. Assessments of maternal reflexes, pupil response, and gait aren't necessary.
19.
When assessing a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, the nurse notes a decrease in the baseline rate from 155 to 110. The rate of 110 persists for more than 10 minutes. The nurse could attribute this decrease in baseline to:
Correct Answer
B. Initiation of epidural anesthesia that resulted in maternal hypotension
Explanation
Fetal bradycardia is the pattern described and results from the hypoxia that would occur when uteroplacental perfusion is reduced by maternal hypotension. The woman receiving epidural anesthesia needs to be well hydrated before and during induction of the anesthesia to maintain an adequate cardiac output and blood pressure.
20.
On review of a fetal monitor tracing, the nurse notes that for several contractions, the fetal heart rate decelerates as a contraction begins and returns to baseline just before it ends. The nurse should:
Correct Answer
A. Describe the finding in the nurse's notes.
Explanation
An early deceleration pattern from head compression is described. No action other than documentation of the finding is required since this is an expected reaction to compression of the fetal head as it passes through the cervix.
21.
Which finding meets the criteria of a reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern? THIS MAY NOT BE ON THE EXAM
Correct Answer
D. Variability averages between 6 to 10 beats/min.
Explanation
Variability indicates a well-oxygenated fetus with a functioning autonomic nervous system.
22.
Late deceleration patterns are noted when assessing the monitor tracing of a woman whose labor is being induced with an infusion of Pitocin. The woman is in a side-lying position, and her vital signs are stable and fall within a normal range. Contractions are intense, last 90 seconds, and occur every 1½ to 2 minutes. The nurse's immediate action would be to:
Correct Answer
B. Stop the Pitocin.
Explanation
Late deceleration patterns noted are most likely related to alteration in uteroplacental perfusion associated with the strong contractions described. The immediate action would be to stop the Pitocin infusion since Pitocin is an oxytocin that stimulates the uterus to contract.
23.
As part of the postpartum assessment, the nurse examines the breasts of a primiparous breastfeeding woman who is 1 day postpartum. An expected finding would be:
Correct Answer
A. Presence of soft, non-tender colostrum
Explanation
Breasts are essentially unchanged for the first 2 to 3 days after birth. Colostrum is present and may leak from the nipples.
24.
When palpating the fundus of a woman 18 hours after birth, the nurse notes that it is firm, 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus, and deviated to the left of the midline. The nurse should:
Correct Answer
C. Assist the woman in emptying her bladder.
Explanation
The findings indicate a full bladder, which pushes the uterus up and to the right or left of the midline. The recommended action would be to empty the bladder. If the bladder remains distended, uterine atony could occur, resulting in a profuse flow.
25.
Which finding would be a source of concern if noted during the assessment of a woman who is 12 hours’ postpartum?
Correct Answer
D. Pain in left calf with dorsiflexion of left foot
Explanation
These findings indicate a positive Homan’s sign and are suggestive of thrombophlebitis and should be investigated.
26.
The nurse examines a woman 1 hour after birth. The woman's fundus is boggy, midline, and 1 cm below the umbilicus. Her lochial flow is profuse, with two plum-sized clots. The nurse's initial action would be to:
Correct Answer
B. Massage her fundus.
Explanation
A boggy or soft fundus indicates that uterine atony is present. This is confirmed by the profuse lochia and passage of clots. The first action would be to massage the fundus until firm.
27.
Perineal care is an important infection control measure. When evaluating a postpartum woman's perineal care technique, the nurse would recognize the need for further instruction if the woman:
Correct Answer
D. Uses the peri bottle to rinse upward into her vagina.
Explanation
The peri bottle should be used in a backward direction over the perineum. The flow should never be directed upward into the vagina since debris would be forced upward into the uterus through the still-open cervix.
28.
Which measure would be least effective in preventing postpartum hemorrhage? THIS MAY NOT BE ON THE EXAM
Correct Answer
C. Massage the fundus every hour for the first 24 hours following birth
Explanation
The fundus should be massaged only when boggy or soft. Massaging a firm fundus could cause it to relax.
29.
The nurse notes that when the newborn is placed on the scale, he immediately abducts and extends his arms, and his fingers fan out with the thumb and forefinger, forming a "C." This response is known as a:
Correct Answer
B. Moro reflex.
Explanation
These actions show the Moro reflex * table 24-1 pg. 622
30.
What would be a warning sign of ineffective adaptation to extrauterine life if noted when assessing a 24-hour-old breastfed newborn before discharge?
Correct Answer
A. Apical heart rate of 90 beats/min, slightly irregular, when awake and active
Explanation
The heart rate of a newborn should range from 120 to 140 beats/min, especially when active. The rate should be regular with sharp, strong sounds.
31.
When caring for a newborn, the nurse must be alert for signs of cold stress, including:
Correct Answer
B. Increased respiratory rate.
Explanation
An increased respiratory rate is a sign of cold stress in the newborn.
32.
The nurse helps a breastfeeding mother change the diaper of her 16-hour-old newborn after the first bowel movement. The mother expresses concern since a large amount of thick, sticky stool is very dark green, almost black in color. She asks the nurse if something is wrong. The nurse should respond to this mother's concern by:
Correct Answer
B. Explaining to the mother that the stool is called meconium and is expected of all newborns for the first few bowel movements.
Explanation
At this early age, this type of stool (meconium) is typical of both bottle-fed and breastfed newborns.
33.
Vitamin K is given to the newborn to:
Correct Answer
C. Enhance the ability of blood to clot.
Explanation
Newborns have a deficiency of vitamin K until intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K are formed. Vitamin K is required for the production of certain clotting factors.
34.
The nurse is making rounds on the postpartum unit. The nurse notes that a client's uterus is relaxed. Should the nurse?
Correct Answer
A. Put the infant to the woman�s breast.
Explanation
1) correct–implementation causes a natural surge of oxytocin that results in contraction of the uterus (2) implementation has no effect on contraction of the uterus (3) assessment is not the best action. The situation does not suggest that patient is in shock (4) assessment, needs manual massage or release of natural oxytocin to contract the uterus
35.
The nurse is caring for clients in the postpartum unit. A client receiving heparin for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) says to the nurse, “I am so upset that I can’t breastfeed my infant.” Which of the following statements made by the nurse is BEST?
Correct Answer
A. “You will be able to breastfeed your baby.”
Explanation
Correct—heparin not transmitted in breast milk; breastfeeding considered safe (2) yes/no question, nontherapeutic (3) heparin not transmitted to the infant, only concerned about the mother’s PTT (4) is the antidote for heparin, not required * look at pg 585 right under the Medication guide.