Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A placenta previa in which the placental edge just reaches the internal os is more commonly known as:
A. total.
A total placenta previa is when the placenta completely covers the internal os, blocking the baby's exit from the uterus.
B. marginal.
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment and may cover or be near the cervical internal os. When the placental edge just reaches the internal os but does not cover it, it is called a marginal previa.
C. complete.
A complete placenta previa is when the placenta partially covers the internal os, reducing the space for the baby to pass through.
D. partial.
"Partial placenta previa" refers to a situation where the placenta partially covers the internal cervical os — meaning some, but not all, of the opening is obstructed by placental tissue.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Maternal Newborn Midterm Proctored Exam 1. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A total placenta previa is when the placenta completely covers the internal os, blocking the baby's exit from the uterus.
Choice B reason: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment and may cover or be near the cervical internal os. When the placental edge just reaches the internal os but does not cover it, it is called a marginal previa.
Choice C reason: A complete placenta previa is when the placenta partially covers the internal os, reducing the space for the baby to pass through.
Choice D reason: "Partial placenta previa" refers to a situation where the placenta partially covers the internal cervical os — meaning some, but not all, of the opening is obstructed by placental tissue.
Similar Questions
A primigravida is being monitored in her prenatal clinic for preeclampsia. What finding should concern her nurse?
A. Blood pressure (BP) increase to 138/86 mm Hg.
A blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. The diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia include a BP of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least 4 hours apart, or a BP of 160/110 mm Hg or higher on one occasion.
B. Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day.
Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. Edema is a common symptom of pregnancy and can be influenced by factors such as hydration, activity, and posture. Edema is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia.
C. Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks.
Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. The recommended weight gain for a normal-weight woman during pregnancy is 11.5 to 16 kg, with an average of 0.4 kg per week in the second and third trimesters.
D. A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine.
A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine is a concerning finding for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is one of the hallmark signs of preeclampsia and indicates renal impairment. A dipstick value of 3+ corresponds to a protein concentration of 300 mg/dL or higher, which is considered severe.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. The diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia include a BP of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least 4 hours apart, or a BP of 160/110 mm Hg or higher on one occasion.
Choice B reason: Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. Edema is a common symptom of pregnancy and can be influenced by factors such as hydration, activity, and posture. Edema is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia.
Choice C reason: Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. The recommended weight gain for a normal-weight woman during pregnancy is 11.5 to 16 kg, with an average of 0.4 kg per week in the second and third trimesters.
Choice D reason: A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine is a concerning finding for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is one of the hallmark signs of preeclampsia and indicates renal impairment. A dipstick value of 3+ corresponds to a protein concentration of 300 mg/dL or higher, which is considered severe.
As related to the care of the patient with miscarriage, nurses should be aware that:
A. it is a natural pregnancy loss before labor begins.
A miscarriage is defined as a spontaneous abortion of a fetus before the 20th week of gestation. It is a natural pregnancy loss that occurs before labor begins and is usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities, infections, or maternal health problems.
B. it often can be attributed to careless maternal behavior such as poor nutrition or excessive exercise.
A miscarriage is not often attributed to careless maternal behavior such as poor nutrition or excessive exercise. These factors may affect the quality of life of the mother and the fetus, but they are not the main causes of miscarriage. Most miscarriages are not preventable and are not the fault of the mother.
C. if it occurs before the 12th week of pregnancy, it may manifest only as moderate discomfort and blood loss.
A miscarriage that occurs before the 12th week of pregnancy may manifest only as moderate discomfort and blood loss, but this is not always the case. Some women may experience severe cramping, bleeding, and tissue passing from the vagina. Others may have no symptoms at all and only discover the miscarriage during a routine ultrasound.
D. it occurs in fewer than 5% of all clinically recognized pregnancies.
A miscarriage occurs in more than 5% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. The actual rate of miscarriage is estimated to be 10% to 20%, but many women may not realize they are pregnant or may not report the loss to their health care provider.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A miscarriage is defined as a spontaneous abortion of a fetus before the 20th week of gestation. It is a natural pregnancy loss that occurs before labor begins and is usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities, infections, or maternal health problems.
Choice B reason: A miscarriage is not often attributed to careless maternal behavior such as poor nutrition or excessive exercise. These factors may affect the quality of life of the mother and the fetus, but they are not the main causes of miscarriage. Most miscarriages are not preventable and are not the fault of the mother.
Choice C reason: A miscarriage that occurs before the 12th week of pregnancy may manifest only as moderate discomfort and blood loss, but this is not always the case. Some women may experience severe cramping, bleeding, and tissue passing from the vagina. Others may have no symptoms at all and only discover the miscarriage during a routine ultrasound.
Choice D reason: A miscarriage occurs in more than 5% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. The actual rate of miscarriage is estimated to be 10% to 20%, but many women may not realize they are pregnant or may not report the loss to their health care provider.
Magnesium sulfate is given to women with preeclampsia and eclampsia to:
A. improve patellar reflexes and increase respiratory efficiency.
Magnesium sulfate does not improve patellar reflexes and increase respiratory efficiency. In fact, it may cause hyporeflexia and respiratory depression as adverse effects. These are signs of magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention.
B. prevent a boggy uterus and lessen lochial flow.
Magnesium sulfate does not prevent a boggy uterus and lessen lochial flow. A boggy uterus is a sign of uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth. Magnesium sulfate has no effect on these conditions.
C. shorten the duration of labor.
Magnesium sulfate does not shorten the duration of labor. It may actually prolong labor by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting contractions. Magnesium sulfate is not used to induce or augment labor.
D. prevent and treat convulsions.
Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat convulsions in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Convulsions are a life-threatening complication of severe hypertension during pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant. It reduces the risk of seizures and lowers blood pressure.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Magnesium sulfate does not improve patellar reflexes and increase respiratory efficiency. In fact, it may cause hyporeflexia and respiratory depression as adverse effects. These are signs of magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Magnesium sulfate does not prevent a boggy uterus and lessen lochial flow. A boggy uterus is a sign of uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth. Magnesium sulfate has no effect on these conditions.
Choice C reason: Magnesium sulfate does not shorten the duration of labor. It may actually prolong labor by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting contractions. Magnesium sulfate is not used to induce or augment labor.
Choice D reason: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat convulsions in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Convulsions are a life-threatening complication of severe hypertension during pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant. It reduces the risk of seizures and lowers blood pressure.
