A nurse is caring for a 28-year-old female client who is gravida 1 para 0 at 32 weeks of gestation in the prenatal unit.
Exhibit 1: History and PhysicalThe client is a 28-year-old female, gravida 1 para 0 at 32 weeks of gestation. She reports cramping and low back pain that started about 3 hours ago, with pain rated 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. She believes the contractions feel stronger than Braxton Hicks and expresses concern that it's too early for labor pains. The client mentions a small amount of urinary leakage earlier in the day, but no vaginal bleeding. She decided to come in for evaluation upon her doctor's advice.Exhibit 2: Nurses' NotesAt 0900, the client stated that she began experiencing cramping and low back pain approximately 3 hours ago, rating the pain as 2 out of 10. She described the contractions as stronger than Braxton Hicks but believed they were not labor pains. She also mentioned experiencing a small amount of urinary leakage earlier in the day, with no vaginal bleeding reported. The external fetal monitor indicated contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 30 seconds each, with moderate intensity upon palpation. Fetal heart rate was recorded at 140 beats per minute. A vaginal exam revealed a closed cervix that was 80% effaced, with clear mucus discharge observed on the exam glove.Exhibit 3: Vital SignsBlood Pressure: 120/80 mmHgHeart Rate: 80 bpmRespiratory Rate: 18 breaths/minTemperature: 98.6°F (37°C)Oxygen Saturation: 98%Exhibit 4: Physical Examination ResultsUpon physical examination, the client appeared anxious but was otherwise in stable condition. Her abdomen was soft and non-tender, with no signs of rigidity. Fetal movements were noted to be active. The client had no edema in her extremities, and her reflexes were normal. Auscultation of the lungs revealed clear breath sounds bilaterally. Cardiovascular examination showed a regular heart rhythm without any murmurs. The nurse is providing teaching about tocolytic medication. Which of the following statements should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
"I will inject this medication under your skin."
"You may experience a headache after receiving this medication."
"It is common for this medication to make you feel jittery."
"This medication should decrease your contractions."
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E,F
A. "I will inject this medication under your skin.": Tocolytic medications are typically administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, not subcutaneously.
B. "You may experience a headache after receiving this medication."
Some tocolytic medications can cause headaches as a side effect.
C. "It is common for this medication to make you feel jittery."
Tocolytic medications, such as terbutaline, can cause nervousness or jitteriness.
D. "This medication should decrease your contractions."
The primary purpose of tocolytic medication is to decrease uterine contractions and delay preterm labor.
E. "I'll check your reflexes frequently while you are receiving this medication."
Some tocolytic medications, like magnesium sulfate, require monitoring of deep tendon reflexes to assess for potential toxicity.
F. "This medication can make your heart beat faster."
Tocolytic medications, such as terbutaline, can increase heart rate.
G. "This medication can increase your blood pressure.":
Some tocolytic medications, like magnesium sulfate, can actually lower blood pressure rather than increase it.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obtain a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
The client's fever (38.5°C), chills, abdominal pain, malodorous lochia, and tender fundus suggest a potential postpartum infection, such as endometritis. Administering a broad-spectrum antibiotic is necessary to treat the infection. Given the clinical scenario, the nurse should prioritize addressing the client's symptoms and signs that suggest infection and support her well-being postpartum. Here's a breakdown of the appropriate actions:
B. Initiate airborne isolation precautions.
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Not necessary in this case. The client's symptoms and signs do not suggest an airborne infectious disease.
C. Place the client on strict bedrest.
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This is not necessary. While rest is important, strict bedrest may not be required and could increase the risk of other complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
D. Instruct the client to stop breastfeeding.
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Not necessary unless there is a specific contraindication. Instead, the nurse can provide support and advice on managing engorgement and breastfeeding difficulties.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
During labor, the body experiences physiological stress, which typically causes an increase, not a decrease, in white blood cell (WBC) count. This increase is a normal response to stress.
Choice B rationale
Blood glucose levels can decrease during labor due to the energy expenditure and physiological demands of the process. This is why it is important to monitor glucose levels and provide necessary interventions if hypoglycemia occurs.
Choice C rationale
The respiratory rate generally increases during labor to meet the increased oxygen demands of the body. A decrease in respiratory rate is not expected during this time.
Choice D rationale
Body temperature may increase slightly during labor due to the physical exertion and metabolic activity involved. A decrease in temperature is not a typical finding during labor.