Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse instruct the client to report?
A. Increased fetal movement.
Increased fetal movement is a positive sign during pregnancy and indicates the well-being of the baby. It is not a concern and does not require reporting.
B. Increased urinary output.
Increased urinary output may be expected in a client receiving magnesium sulfate due to its diuretic effects. This finding is not alarming and does not require immediate reporting unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.
C. Increased muscle weakness.
Increased muscle weakness is a potential side effect of magnesium sulfate administration. It is important to monitor the client for signs of magnesium toxicity, and increased muscle weakness should be reported promptly as it may indicate the need for adjustments in the dosage or administration of the medication.
D. Increased respiratory rate.
Increased respiratory rate is not typically associated with magnesium sulfate use and is unlikely to be a concerning finding in this context. However, it's always essential to monitor respiratory status, but it may not be specifically related to the magnesium sulfate treatment.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Maternal Newborn 2019 NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased fetal movement is a positive sign during pregnancy and indicates the well-being of the baby. It is not a concern and does not require reporting.
Choice B rationale:
Increased urinary output may be expected in a client receiving magnesium sulfate due to its diuretic effects. This finding is not alarming and does not require immediate reporting unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Increased muscle weakness is a potential side effect of magnesium sulfate administration. It is important to monitor the client for signs of magnesium toxicity, and increased muscle weakness should be reported promptly as it may indicate the need for adjustments in the dosage or administration of the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Increased respiratory rate is not typically associated with magnesium sulfate use and is unlikely to be a concerning finding in this context. However, it's always essential to monitor respiratory status, but it may not be specifically related to the magnesium sulfate treatment.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and has an ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Bright, red vaginal discharge.
Bright, red vaginal discharge is not a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. Instead, it can be indicative of other conditions such as miscarriage or vaginal bleeding.
B. Scaphoid abdomen.
A scaphoid abdomen is not a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. A scaphoid abdomen is seen in cases of diaphragmatic hernia, where the abdominal organs move into the chest cavity, leaving the abdomen with a sunken appearance.
C. Elevated blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure is not a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. High blood pressure can be associated with conditions like preeclampsia but is not specifically linked to ectopic pregnancies.
D. Sharp pelvic pain.
Sharp pelvic pain is a common manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. As the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube, it can cause pain and discomfort.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bright, red vaginal discharge is not a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. Instead, it can be indicative of other conditions such as miscarriage or vaginal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
A scaphoid abdomen is not a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. A scaphoid abdomen is seen in cases of diaphragmatic hernia, where the abdominal organs move into the chest cavity, leaving the abdomen with a sunken appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated blood pressure is not a typical manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. High blood pressure can be associated with conditions like preeclampsia but is not specifically linked to ectopic pregnancies.
Choice D rationale:
Sharp pelvic pain is a common manifestation of an ectopic pregnancy. As the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube, it can cause pain and discomfort.
A nurse is caring for a client who has maternal hypotension following the placement of an epidural. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Position the client in a knee-chest position.
Positioning the client in a knee-chest position is not the standard intervention for maternal hypotension following epidural placement. This position is more commonly associated with cord prolapse or to relieve pressure on the vena cava.
B. Administer a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer's.
Administering a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s is the correct action. Hypotension during epidural analgesia is treated with additional intravenous boluses of crystalloid solution. This helps to increase the circulating blood volume and counteract the vasodilation caused by the epidural.
C. Give terbutaline subcutaneously.
Terbutaline is a medication used to relax the uterus and prevent premature labor, not for treating hypotension.
D. Apply oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask at 2 L/min.
Applying oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask at 2 L/min is not the primary treatment for maternal hypotension. Oxygen may be used as a supportive measure if there is evidence of fetal distress or maternal hypoxemia, but the first line of treatment for hypotension is fluid administration.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Administer a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s.
Choice A rationale:
Positioning the client in a knee-chest position is not the standard intervention for maternal hypotension following epidural placement. This position is more commonly associated with cord prolapse or to relieve pressure on the vena cava.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s is the correct action. Hypotension during epidural analgesia is treated with additional intravenous boluses of crystalloid solution. This helps to increase the circulating blood volume and counteract the vasodilation caused by the epidural.
Choice C rationale:
Terbutaline is a medication used to relax the uterus and prevent premature labor, not for treating hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Applying oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask at 2 L/min is not the primary treatment for maternal hypotension. Oxygen may be used as a supportive measure if there is evidence of fetal distress or maternal hypoxemia, but the first line of treatment for hypotension is fluid administration.
A nurse is planning care immediately following birth for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial for a newborn with a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid to prevent infection. The leaking of cerebrospinal fluid can increase the risk of meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used as a prophylactic measure to reduce this risk.
B. Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.
Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is important for detecting fever, which could indicate infection. However, it is not the most immediate action required for a newborn with a leaking myelomeningocele. The priority is to prevent infection through the administration of antibiotics.
C. Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended for a myelomeningocele because it can be toxic to the exposed neural tissue. Instead, the area should be covered with a sterile saline dressing to protect the site and prevent drying and further damage to the neural tissue.
D. Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr.
While surgical closure is necessary for a newborn with myelomeningocele, it is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours after birth, not after 72 hours. Early closure is essential to reduce the risk of infection and further damage to the exposed spinal cord and nerves.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Choice A rationale:
Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial for a newborn with a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid to prevent infection. The leaking of cerebrospinal fluid can increase the risk of meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used as a prophylactic measure to reduce this risk.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is important for detecting fever, which could indicate infection. However, it is not the most immediate action required for a newborn with a leaking myelomeningocele. The priority is to prevent infection through the administration of antibiotics.
Choice C rationale:
Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended for a myelomeningocele because it can be toxic to the exposed neural tissue. Instead, the area should be covered with a sterile saline dressing to protect the site and prevent drying and further damage to the neural tissue.
Choice D rationale:
While surgical closure is necessary for a newborn with myelomeningocele, it is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours after birth, not after 72 hours. Early closure is essential to reduce the risk of infection and further damage to the exposed spinal cord and nerves.