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.
Contractions every 5 minutes
Fetal heart rate of 140/min
Clear mucus discharge
Closed cervix
The Correct Answer is A
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Irregular spotting is common after the placement of an IUD as the body adjusts to the device. This is a normal side effect and typically resolves within a few months.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding tampons initially after IUD placement is advised to prevent displacement or infection. Once the IUD is properly positioned and the risk of infection decreases, tampons can generally be used.
Choice C rationale
Informed consent is required prior to IUD placement to ensure the client understands the procedure, potential risks, and benefits, ensuring an informed decision.
Choice D rationale
IUDs typically need to be replaced every 3 to 10 years, depending on the type. Replacing an IUD every 2 years is not accurate and does not align with standard medical
recommendations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood pressure every 30 minutes following epidural placement is important but not the initial action. Epidural anesthesia can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, so
frequent monitoring is crucial. However, the initial step should focus on preventing hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Administering lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus via intermittent IV infusion prior to epidural placement helps in maintaining blood pressure. Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation,
leading to hypotension. Preloading with fluids ensures adequate blood volume and reduces the risk of a significant drop in blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min prior to epidural placement is not necessary unless the client has respiratory complications. Oxygen supplementation is used to
treat or prevent hypoxia, which is not a primary concern in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the client every hour following epidural placement is important to ensure even distribution of the anesthetic and prevent pressure sores. However, this is not the initial
action to take for preventing hypotension.