Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.
B. Eclampsia
Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.
C. Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome
Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.
D. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.
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: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.
Choice B reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.
Choice C reason: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.
Choice D reason: Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.
Similar Questions
A nurse is preparing to administer an injection of Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin. The nurse should understand that the purpose of this injection is to prevent which of the following newborn complications?
A. Erythroblastosis fetalis
Erythroblastosis fetalis is the correct answer, as it is a hemolytic disease of the newborn that occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the newborn is Rh-positive, and the maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy the newborn's red blood cells, causing anemia, jaundice, and edema. Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin is an injection that prevents the formation of Rh-positive antibodies in the mother, and reduces the risk of erythroblastosis fetalis in the current or subsequent pregnancies.
B. Hypobilirubinemia
Hypobilirubinemia is not the correct answer, as it is a low level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause pale skin, poor feeding, or lethargy. Hypobilirubinemia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a common or serious complication in the newborn.
C. Biliary atresia
Biliary atresia is not the correct answer, as it is a congenital defect of the bile ducts that prevents the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine, causing jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Biliary atresia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a preventable complication in the newborn.
D. Transient clotting difficulties
Transient clotting difficulties is not the correct answer, as it is a bleeding disorder that occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors. Transient clotting difficulties is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is preventable by administering vitamin K to the newborn.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Erythroblastosis fetalis is the correct answer, as it is a hemolytic disease of the newborn that occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the newborn is Rh-positive, and the maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy the newborn's red blood cells, causing anemia, jaundice, and edema. Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin is an injection that prevents the formation of Rh-positive antibodies in the mother, and reduces the risk of erythroblastosis fetalis in the current or subsequent pregnancies.
Choice B reason: Hypobilirubinemia is not the correct answer, as it is a low level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause pale skin, poor feeding, or lethargy. Hypobilirubinemia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a common or serious complication in the newborn.
Choice C reason: Biliary atresia is not the correct answer, as it is a congenital defect of the bile ducts that prevents the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine, causing jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Biliary atresia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a preventable complication in the newborn.
Choice D reason: Transient clotting difficulties is not the correct answer, as it is a bleeding disorder that occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors. Transient clotting difficulties is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is preventable by administering vitamin K to the newborn.
A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the maternity unit at 38 weeks of gestation and who is experiencing polyhydramnios. The nurse should understand that this diagnosis means which of the following?
A. The client is carrying more than one fetus.
This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible cause of it. Polyhydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can occur in multiple pregnancies, as the fetuses produce more urine and fluid than a single fetus.
B. The fetus is likely to have a congenital anomaly, be growth restricted, or demonstrate fetal distress during labor.
This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible complication of it. Polyhydramnios can cause fetal anomalies, such as esophageal atresia, anencephaly, or neural tube defects, which impair the swallowing or absorption of the amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios can also cause fetal growth restriction or distress, as the excess fluid can compress the umbilical cord or the placenta, and reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
C. An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is present.
This statement is correct, as it is the definition of polyhydramnios, which is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can be diagnosed by ultrasound, and it can cause maternal and fetal complications, such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, or cord prolapse.
D. There is an elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid.
This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a marker of fetal anomalies. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is produced by the fetus, and it can be measured in the maternal serum or the amniotic fluid. An elevated level of AFP in the amniotic fluid can indicate fetal anomalies, such as neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, or renal anomalies, which can cause polyhydramnios.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible cause of it. Polyhydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can occur in multiple pregnancies, as the fetuses produce more urine and fluid than a single fetus.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible complication of it. Polyhydramnios can cause fetal anomalies, such as esophageal atresia, anencephaly, or neural tube defects, which impair the swallowing or absorption of the amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios can also cause fetal growth restriction or distress, as the excess fluid can compress the umbilical cord or the placenta, and reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as it is the definition of polyhydramnios, which is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can be diagnosed by ultrasound, and it can cause maternal and fetal complications, such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, or cord prolapse.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a marker of fetal anomalies. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is produced by the fetus, and it can be measured in the maternal serum or the amniotic fluid. An elevated level of AFP in the amniotic fluid can indicate fetal anomalies, such as neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, or renal anomalies, which can cause polyhydramnios.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor at 40 weeks of gestation and reports that she has saturated two perineal pads with blood in the past 30 min. The nurse caring for her suspects placenta previa. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?
A. Initiation of pushing
Initiation of pushing is not an appropriate nursing action, as it can increase the bleeding and the risk of placental separation, which can cause fetal hypoxia, hemorrhage, or shock. Pushing is contraindicated in clients with placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening and can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester.
B. Examination to determine cervical status
Examination to determine cervical status is not an appropriate nursing action, as it can cause trauma and perforation of the placenta, which can lead to severe bleeding and infection. Examination is contraindicated in clients with placenta previa, unless it is confirmed by ultrasound that the placenta is not low-lying or covering the cervix.
C. Preparation for cesarean birth
Preparation for cesarean birth is an appropriate nursing action, as it is the preferred mode of delivery for clients with placenta previa, especially if the bleeding is heavy, the fetus is mature, or the fetal distress is present. Cesarean birth can prevent the complications of placenta previa, such as fetal hypoxia, hemorrhage, or shock.
D. A magnesium sulfate infusion
A magnesium sulfate infusion is not an appropriate nursing action, as it is a drug that prevents seizures and lowers the blood pressure in clients with severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is not indicated for clients with placenta previa, unless they also have severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Initiation of pushing is not an appropriate nursing action, as it can increase the bleeding and the risk of placental separation, which can cause fetal hypoxia, hemorrhage, or shock. Pushing is contraindicated in clients with placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening and can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester.
Choice B reason: Examination to determine cervical status is not an appropriate nursing action, as it can cause trauma and perforation of the placenta, which can lead to severe bleeding and infection. Examination is contraindicated in clients with placenta previa, unless it is confirmed by ultrasound that the placenta is not low-lying or covering the cervix.
Choice C reason: Preparation for cesarean birth is an appropriate nursing action, as it is the preferred mode of delivery for clients with placenta previa, especially if the bleeding is heavy, the fetus is mature, or the fetal distress is present. Cesarean birth can prevent the complications of placenta previa, such as fetal hypoxia, hemorrhage, or shock.
Choice D reason: A magnesium sulfate infusion is not an appropriate nursing action, as it is a drug that prevents seizures and lowers the blood pressure in clients with severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is not indicated for clients with placenta previa, unless they also have severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.