Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
The client's blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, and her abdomen is rigid.
The nurse should identify these findings as indicating which of the following complications?
A. Uterine rupture.
Uterine rupture typically presents with intense, constant abdominal pain and signs of shock. However, the absence of visible bleeding in the abdominal cavity makes this choice less likely in this case.
B. Placental abruption.
Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. The sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, rigid abdomen) are indicative of placental abruption. This condition requires immediate medical intervention due to the risk of fetal and maternal compromise.
C. Placenta previa.
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening. It typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The severe abdominal pain described in the scenario is inconsistent with placenta previa.
D. Amniotic fluid embolus.
Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare and life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. It can lead to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Although it can cause respiratory distress and hypotension, it does not usually present with severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Comprehensive Online Practice 2019 B with NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Uterine rupture typically presents with intense, constant abdominal pain and signs of shock. However, the absence of visible bleeding in the abdominal cavity makes this choice less likely in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. The sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, rigid abdomen) are indicative of placental abruption. This condition requires immediate medical intervention due to the risk of fetal and maternal compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening. It typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The severe abdominal pain described in the scenario is inconsistent with placenta previa.
Choice D rationale:
Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare and life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. It can lead to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Although it can cause respiratory distress and hypotension, it does not usually present with severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions.
Similar Questions
A nurse is reviewing the results of laboratory screenings for a 9-month-old infant.
Which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Lead 18 mcg/dL.
A blood lead level of 18 mcg/dL in a 9-month-old infant is elevated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers a blood lead level of 5 mcg/dL or higher in children to be concerning. Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments. Therefore, this result needs to be reported to the healthcare provider promptly.
B. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL.
Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is within the normal range for a 9-month-old infant (11-15 g/dL) There is no need to report this result to the provider.
C. Iron 74 mcg/dL.
Iron level of 74 mcg/dL is within the normal range for a 9-month-old infant (50-120 mcg/dL) There is no need to report this result to the provider.
D. Hematocrit 35%.
Hematocrit level of 35% is within the normal range for a 9-month-old infant (29-41%) There is no need to report this result to the provider.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A blood lead level of 18 mcg/dL in a 9-month-old infant is elevated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers a blood lead level of 5 mcg/dL or higher in children to be concerning. Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments. Therefore, this result needs to be reported to the healthcare provider promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is within the normal range for a 9-month-old infant (11-15 g/dL) There is no need to report this result to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
Iron level of 74 mcg/dL is within the normal range for a 9-month-old infant (50-120 mcg/dL) There is no need to report this result to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Hematocrit level of 35% is within the normal range for a 9-month-old infant (29-41%) There is no need to report this result to the provider.
A nurse is creating an incident report due to an accidental omission of a client's dressing change during the previous shift.
Which of the following statements should the nurse document on the incident report form?
A. "Unable to complete a prescribed dressing change. However, dressing did not appear to be soiled.”
This statement implies that the nurse attempted the dressing change but was unsuccessful. However, the information about the dressing not being soiled is irrelevant to the incident report. The key issue is the omission of the prescribed procedure.
B. "A nurse accidentally omitted a prescribed dressing change.
This statement acknowledges the omission but lacks specificity. It does not state the nature of the omission or the potential consequences, making it less informative for future prevention strategies.
C. "Prescribed dressing change was accidentally omitted during the previous shift.”
This statement clearly and concisely states the situation, indicating that the prescribed dressing change was omitted. It provides essential information for understanding what happened, allowing for appropriate investigation and preventive measures.
D. "Incident report completed.
This statement confirms the completion of the incident report but does not provide details about the incident itself. Without specific information about the omission, this statement is insufficient for understanding the nature of the error and implementing preventive actions.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement implies that the nurse attempted the dressing change but was unsuccessful. However, the information about the dressing not being soiled is irrelevant to the incident report. The key issue is the omission of the prescribed procedure.
Choice B rationale:
This statement acknowledges the omission but lacks specificity. It does not state the nature of the omission or the potential consequences, making it less informative for future prevention strategies.
Choice C rationale:
This statement clearly and concisely states the situation, indicating that the prescribed dressing change was omitted. It provides essential information for understanding what happened, allowing for appropriate investigation and preventive measures.
Choice D rationale:
This statement confirms the completion of the incident report but does not provide details about the incident itself. Without specific information about the omission, this statement is insufficient for understanding the nature of the error and implementing preventive actions.
A case manager is performing a home visit for a client following a stroke.
The client's partner is providing care in the home.
The client's partner states that she sometimes feels exhausted.
Which of the following referrals should the case manager recommend for the caregiver?
A. Assisted living.
Assisted living facilities are suitable for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living but do not require skilled nursing care. This option might not be necessary based on the partner's exhaustion alone.
B. Respite care.
Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Given the partner's exhaustion, respite care would offer the much-needed rest, reducing caregiver burnout and ensuring better care for the client at home.
C. Rehabilitation services.
Rehabilitation services are designed for patients who need specialized therapy after an illness or injury. While they might be beneficial for the client following a stroke, they do not directly address the partner's exhaustion and need for relief.
D. Skilled nursing facility.
Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care for individuals with complex medical needs. The partner's exhaustion does not necessarily indicate the need for skilled nursing care, as the client's condition and care requirements were not provided in the scenario.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assisted living facilities are suitable for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living but do not require skilled nursing care. This option might not be necessary based on the partner's exhaustion alone.
Choice B rationale:
Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Given the partner's exhaustion, respite care would offer the much-needed rest, reducing caregiver burnout and ensuring better care for the client at home.
Choice C rationale:
Rehabilitation services are designed for patients who need specialized therapy after an illness or injury. While they might be beneficial for the client following a stroke, they do not directly address the partner's exhaustion and need for relief.
Choice D rationale:
Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care for individuals with complex medical needs. The partner's exhaustion does not necessarily indicate the need for skilled nursing care, as the client's condition and care requirements were not provided in the scenario.