Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A. Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the client has a sudden decrease in blood volume after delivery. The nurse should instruct the client to change positions slowly and drink plenty of fluids.
B. Urine output of 3,000 mL in 12 hr
Urine output of 3,000 mL in 12 hr is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the client has increased renal perfusion and diuresis after delivery. The nurse should encourage the client to empty the bladder frequently and monitor the intake and output.
C. Heart rate 160/min
Heart rate 160/min is an abnormal finding in the postpartum period, because it indicates tachycardia, which can be a sign of infection, dehydration, hemorrhage, or cardiac complications. The nurse should assess the client's temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, skin color, lochia, and pain level, and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
D. Fundus palpable at the umbilicus
Fundus palpable at the umbilicus is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the uterus gradually involutes and descends into the pelvis after delivery. The nurse should palpate the fundus and check for firmness, position, and height. The fundus should be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after delivery, and descend about one fingerbreadth per day.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam 4. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Orthostatic hypotension is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the client has a sudden decrease in blood volume after delivery. The nurse should instruct the client to change positions slowly and drink plenty of fluids.
Choice B reason: Urine output of 3,000 mL in 12 hr is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the client has increased renal perfusion and diuresis after delivery. The nurse should encourage the client to empty the bladder frequently and monitor the intake and output.
Choice C reason: Heart rate 160/min is an abnormal finding in the postpartum period, because it indicates tachycardia, which can be a sign of infection, dehydration, hemorrhage, or cardiac complications. The nurse should assess the client's temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, skin color, lochia, and pain level, and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
Choice D reason: Fundus palpable at the umbilicus is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the uterus gradually involutes and descends into the pelvis after delivery. The nurse should palpate the fundus and check for firmness, position, and height. The fundus should be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after delivery, and descend about one fingerbreadth per day.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for an infant who is receiving phototherapy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?
A. The mother applies lotion to the newborn's skin.
The mother applying lotion to the newborn's skin requires intervention by the nurse, because it can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and increase the risk of thermal injury. The nurse should instruct the mother to avoid using any lotions, creams, or oils on the newborn's skin during phototherapy.
B. The newborn's stools increase in number.
The newborn's stools increasing in number does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a normal and expected outcome of phototherapy. Phototherapy can increase the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin, which can result in more frequent and loose stools.
C. A pink rash appears on the newborn's trunk.
A pink rash appearing on the newborn's trunk does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a common and harmless side effect of phototherapy. The rash usually disappears within a few days after phototherapy is discontinued.
D. The newborn's eyes are covered with a mask.
The newborn's eyes being covered with a mask does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a standard and essential precaution for phototherapy. The mask protects the newborn's eyes from the harmful effects of the light, such as corneal damage or retinal injury.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: The mother applying lotion to the newborn's skin requires intervention by the nurse, because it can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and increase the risk of thermal injury. The nurse should instruct the mother to avoid using any lotions, creams, or oils on the newborn's skin during phototherapy.
Choice B reason: The newborn's stools increasing in number does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a normal and expected outcome of phototherapy. Phototherapy can increase the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin, which can result in more frequent and loose stools.
Choice C reason: A pink rash appearing on the newborn's trunk does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a common and harmless side effect of phototherapy. The rash usually disappears within a few days after phototherapy is discontinued.
Choice D reason: The newborn's eyes being covered with a mask does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a standard and essential precaution for phototherapy. The mask protects the newborn's eyes from the harmful effects of the light, such as corneal damage or retinal injury.
A nurse is caring for a client who is at 22 weeks of gestation and has been unable to control her gestational diabetes mellitus with diet and exercise. The nurse should anticipate a prescription from the provider for which of the following medications for the client?
A. Glipizide
Glipizide is not an appropriate medication for the client, because it is a sulfonylurea that can cross the placenta and cause fetal hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and macrosomia. Glipizide is contraindicated in pregnancy.
B. Acarbose
Acarbose is not an appropriate medication for the client, because it is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Acarbose is not recommended in pregnancy.
C. Glyburide
Glyburide is an appropriate medication for the client, because it is a sulfonylurea that has a low placental transfer and a minimal risk of fetal hypoglycemia. Glyburide is considered safe and effective in pregnancy.
D. Repaglinide
Repaglinide is not an appropriate medication for the client, because it is a meglitinide that can cross the placenta and cause fetal hypoglycemia and teratogenic effects. Repaglinide is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Glipizide is not an appropriate medication for the client, because it is a sulfonylurea that can cross the placenta and cause fetal hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and macrosomia. Glipizide is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Choice B reason: Acarbose is not an appropriate medication for the client, because it is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Acarbose is not recommended in pregnancy.
Choice C reason: Glyburide is an appropriate medication for the client, because it is a sulfonylurea that has a low placental transfer and a minimal risk of fetal hypoglycemia. Glyburide is considered safe and effective in pregnancy.
Choice D reason: Repaglinide is not an appropriate medication for the client, because it is a meglitinide that can cross the placenta and cause fetal hypoglycemia and teratogenic effects. Repaglinide is contraindicated in pregnancy.
The nurse is teaching a pregnant woman with type 2 diabetes about her diet during pregnancy. Which client statement indicates that the nurse's teaching was successful?
A. "I'll basically follow the same diet that I was following before I became pregnant."
"I'll basically follow the same diet that I was following before I became pregnant." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the need for dietary changes during pregnancy. The client should follow a diet that is individualized, balanced, and consistent in carbohydrate intake, and that meets the nutritional needs of pregnancy.
B. "Because I need extra protein, I'll have to increase my intake of milk and meat."
"Because I need extra protein, I'll have to increase my intake of milk and meat." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the role of protein in diabetes management. The client should consume adequate but not excessive amounts of protein, and choose lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes.
C. "I'll adjust my diet and insulin based on the results of my urine tests for glucose."
"I'll adjust my diet and insulin based on the results of my urine tests for glucose." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the limitations of urine tests for glucose. The client should monitor her blood glucose levels regularly, and adjust her diet and insulin accordingly, under the guidance of the provider. Urine tests for glucose are not accurate or reliable indicators of blood glucose levels.
D. "Pregnancy affects insulin production, so I'll need to make adjustments in my diet."
"Pregnancy affects insulin production, so I'll need to make adjustments in my diet." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the impact of pregnancy on diabetes. The client should be aware that pregnancy can cause insulin resistance, especially in the second and third trimesters, and that her diet may need to be modified to achieve optimal glycemic control.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: "I'll basically follow the same diet that I was following before I became pregnant." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the need for dietary changes during pregnancy. The client should follow a diet that is individualized, balanced, and consistent in carbohydrate intake, and that meets the nutritional needs of pregnancy.
Choice B reason: "Because I need extra protein, I'll have to increase my intake of milk and meat." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the role of protein in diabetes management. The client should consume adequate but not excessive amounts of protein, and choose lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes.
Choice C reason: "I'll adjust my diet and insulin based on the results of my urine tests for glucose." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the limitations of urine tests for glucose. The client should monitor her blood glucose levels regularly, and adjust her diet and insulin accordingly, under the guidance of the provider. Urine tests for glucose are not accurate or reliable indicators of blood glucose levels.
Choice D reason: "Pregnancy affects insulin production, so I'll need to make adjustments in my diet." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the impact of pregnancy on diabetes. The client should be aware that pregnancy can cause insulin resistance, especially in the second and third trimesters, and that her diet may need to be modified to achieve optimal glycemic control.