Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A 25-year-old client who had a severe postpartum hemorrhage following the vaginal birth of twins is transferred to the postpartum unit. The nurse knows that assessment for what complication has the highest priority for this client?
A. Placenta accreta
Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. While this can be a concern, the client in this scenario has already given birth, so this may not be the highest priority at this moment.
B. Hard, painful uterine afterpains.
Hard, painful uterine afterpains: Afterpains are common in the postpartum period, especially in women who have given birth to multiples. While they can be uncomfortable, they are generally expected and not considered a severe complication.
C. Postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood disturbances. While it is a serious concern, it might not be the immediate priority in a client who has had a severe postpartum hemorrhage.
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): This is a life-threatening condition where there is widespread activation of clotting factors, leading to excessive blood clotting followed by bleeding. Given the history of severe postpartum hemorrhage, DIC is a significant concern, and prompt assessment and intervention are crucial.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Samuel Merrit University Oaklands Hesi Maternity (Labor and Delivery) Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. While this can be a concern, the client in this scenario has already given birth, so this may not be the highest priority at this moment.
B. Hard, painful uterine afterpains: Afterpains are common in the postpartum period, especially in women who have given birth to multiples. While they can be uncomfortable, they are generally expected and not considered a severe complication.
C. Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood disturbances. While it is a serious concern, it might not be the immediate priority in a client who has had a severe postpartum hemorrhage.
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): This is a life-threatening condition where there is widespread activation of clotting factors, leading to excessive blood clotting followed by bleeding. Given the history of severe postpartum hemorrhage, DIC is a significant concern, and prompt assessment and intervention are crucial.
Similar Questions
What instruction is most important for the nurse to provide a client in the first trimester of pregnancy who is experiencing nausea?
A. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking: This is generally good advice during pregnancy to promote a healthy environment for the developing fetus, but it may not specifically address nausea.
B. Eliminate between meal snacks
Eliminate between meal snacks: While this might be suggested for some individuals, keeping something light on the stomach, like crackers, can sometimes help alleviate nausea.
C. Practice relaxation techniques when the nausea first begins
Practice relaxation techniques when the nausea first begins: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can be beneficial in managing nausea, especially if stress or anxiety contributes to the symptoms.
D. Increase intake of fluids to 3 quarts daily
Increase intake of fluids to 3 quarts daily: Staying hydrated is important during pregnancy, but drinking too much fluid at once might not necessarily alleviate nausea and could potentially make it worse.
Full Explanation
A. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking: This is generally good advice during pregnancy to promote a healthy environment for the developing fetus, but it may not specifically address nausea.
B. Eliminate between meal snacks: While this might be suggested for some individuals, keeping something light on the stomach, like crackers, can sometimes help alleviate nausea.
C. Practice relaxation techniques when the nausea first begins: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can be beneficial in managing nausea, especially if stress or anxiety contributes to the symptoms.
D. Increase intake of fluids to 3 quarts daily: Staying hydrated is important during pregnancy, but drinking too much fluid at once might not necessarily alleviate nausea and could potentially make it worse.
During a routine first trimester prenatal exam, a pregnant client tells the nurse that she has noticed an increase in vaginal discharge that is white, thin, and watery. Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint
Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint: While it's important for the healthcare provider to be aware of any changes or symptoms the client is experiencing, the described discharge is commonly associated with normal physiological changes in pregnancy.
B. Recommend an over-the-counter yeast medication
Recommend an over-the-counter yeast medication: The characteristics of the discharge described (white, thin, and watery) are not typical of a yeast infection. Using over-the-counter medications without proper assessment can lead to unnecessary treatment.
C. Inform her that this is a normal physiological change.
Inform her that this is a normal physiological change: This is the most appropriate action. Increased vaginal discharge, often described as leukorrhea, is a common and normal change during pregnancy. It's generally thin, white, and watery.
D. Prepare the client for a sterile speculum exam
Prepare the client for a sterile speculum exam: A sterile speculum exam may be indicated if there are other concerning symptoms or if the discharge changes in color, consistency, or if there is associated itching or foul odor. However, based on the information provided, it's not the first-line action.
Full Explanation
A. Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint: While it's important for the healthcare provider to be aware of any changes or symptoms the client is experiencing, the described discharge is commonly associated with normal physiological changes in pregnancy.
B. Recommend an over-the-counter yeast medication: The characteristics of the discharge described (white, thin, and watery) are not typical of a yeast infection. Using over-the-counter medications without proper assessment can lead to unnecessary treatment.
C. Inform her that this is a normal physiological change: This is the most appropriate action. Increased vaginal discharge, often described as leukorrhea, is a common and normal change during pregnancy. It's generally thin, white, and watery.
D. Prepare the client for a sterile speculum exam: A sterile speculum exam may be indicated if there are other concerning symptoms or if the discharge changes in color, consistency, or if there is associated itching or foul odor. However, based on the information provided, it's not the first-line action.
A client at 40-weeks gestation is admitted in active labor, and laboratory findings indicate that she is HIV positive. Which actions should the nurse plan to perform? (Select all that apply.)
A. Place client in a negative pressure room
HIV is not an airborne disease, and clients with HIV do not require isolation in a negative pressure room. Standard precautions are sufficient to prevent transmission.
B. Implement droplet precautions
HIV is not transmitted via droplets. It is transmitted through contact with blood, certain body fluids, or perinatal exposure. Droplet precautions are not indicated.
C. Encourage the mother to bottle-feed
HIV can be transmitted through breast milk. To prevent vertical transmission postpartum, mothers with HIV are advised to avoid breastfeeding and to use formula or bottle-feed instead.
D. Give antiviral medication intravenously
Intrapartum IV zidovudine should be administered in the following situations: (a) HIV RNA >1,000 copies/mL, (b) unknown HIV RNA, (c) known or suspected lack of adherence since the last HIV RNA result, or (d) a positive expedited antigen/antibody HIV test result during labor (AI).
E. Use standard precautions
Standard precautions are the appropriate infection control measures for caring for clients with HIV. This includes wearing gloves, practicing proper hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with the client's blood and other potentially infectious fluids.
Full Explanation
A. Place client in a negative pressure room: HIV is not an airborne disease, and clients with HIV do not require isolation in a negative pressure room. Standard precautions are sufficient to prevent transmission.
B. Implement droplet precautions: HIV is not transmitted via droplets. It is transmitted through contact with blood, certain body fluids, or perinatal exposure. Droplet precautions are not indicated.
C. Encourage the mother to bottle-feed: HIV can be transmitted through breast milk. To prevent vertical transmission postpartum, mothers with HIV are advised to avoid breastfeeding and to use formula or bottle-feed instead.
D. Give antiviral medication intravenously: Intrapartum IV zidovudine should be administered in the following situations: (a) HIV RNA >1,000 copies/mL, (b) unknown HIV RNA, (c) known or suspected lack of adherence since the last HIV RNA result, or (d) a positive expedited antigen/antibody HIV test result during labor (AI).
E. Use standard precautions: Standard precautions are the appropriate infection control measures for caring for clients with HIV. This includes wearing gloves, practicing proper hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with the client's blood and other potentially infectious fluids.