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A nurse on an antepartum unit is caring for a 28-year-old gravida 1 para 0 female client at 32 weeks of gestation.

Exhibit 1: History and Physical The client is 32 weeks pregnant and has been experiencing cramping and low back pain for the past 3 hours. She rates her pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. She describes the pain as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions and mentions having a little urinary leakage earlier in the day. She denies vaginal bleeding. The client decided to come in for evaluation at her doctor's advice.
 

Exhibit 2: Nurse's Notes 0900: The client reports cramping and low back pain started 3 hours ago. She rates the pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. She feels the contractions are stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. She mentions urinary leakage earlier today but denies any vaginal bleeding. The external fetal monitor shows contractions occurring every 5 minutes, lasting 30 seconds, and of moderate intensity. Fetal heart rate is 140/min. A vaginal exam reveals the cervix is closed and 80% effaced. No bleeding is noted, but there is clear mucus discharge on the exam glove.

Exhibit 3:

Vital Signs Heart rate: 80/min

Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg

Respiratory rate: 18/min

Temperature: 36.8°C (98.2°F)

Oxygen saturation: 98%Exhibit 4:

Physical Examination Results

The client's abdomen is soft, non-tender, and the fundal height corresponds to the gestational age. No signs of vaginal bleeding are observed. Clear mucus discharge is noted on the exam glove. The cervix is closed and 80% effaced. The fetal heart rate is regular at 140/min. The client appears anxious but is in no acute distress. The fetal movements are felt and reported to be normal.

Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. The nurse should identify that _______ are findings that require follow-up.

A.

Contractions every 5 minutes

B.

Fetal heart rate of 140/min

C.

Clear mucus discharge

D.

Closed cervix

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

  1. Preterm Labor Risk: At 32 weeks of gestation, regular contractions every 5 minutes could indicate the onset of preterm labor. This is concerning because preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, which poses significant risks to the baby's health and development.

  2. Frequency and Intensity: These contractions are occurring frequently (every 5 minutes) and are described as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. This frequency and the strength of the contractions are unusual for Braxton Hicks, which are typically irregular and less intense.

  3. Effacement and Cervical Changes: Although the cervix is closed, it is 80% effaced. Effacement means the cervix is thinning, which, in combination with regular contractions, may indicate that the body is preparing for labor.

  4. Urinary Leakage: The client also reported urinary leakage earlier in the day, which could be a sign of ruptured membranes (water breaking). This, combined with regular contractions, increases the need for careful monitoring.


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View Related questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

A respiratory rate of 12/min indicates that the respiratory depression caused by magnesium sulfate toxicity has been effectively reversed by calcium gluconate. Normal respiratory rate in adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.

Choice B rationale

Absent deep tendon reflexes indicate ongoing magnesium sulfate toxicity. Calcium gluconate administration should restore normal reflexes, not cause their absence.

Choice C rationale

Slurred speech is a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Effective treatment with calcium gluconate should improve neurological function and resolve symptoms like slurred speech.

Choice D rationale

A urine output of 22 mL/hr is below the normal range and suggests renal impairment or ongoing toxicity. Effective treatment should result in an increase in urine output to within the normal range (greater than 30 mL/hr).

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Blood pressure should be assessed as opioid analgesics can cause hypotension, which can be detrimental to both mother and fetus during labor.

Choice B rationale

Fetal heart rate monitoring is essential as opioids can cross the placenta and potentially cause fetal bradycardia or distress, thus necessitating close monitoring.

Choice C rationale

Deep tendon reflexes are not commonly affected by opioid analgesics and therefore are not a primary assessment when administering these medications during labor.

Choice D rationale

Blood glucose levels are not typically influenced by opioid analgesics in the context of labor, so this is not a relevant assessment for this scenario.

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