Question 1

A woman at 39 weeks of gestation with a history of pre-eclampsia is admitted to the labour and birth unit.She suddenly experiences increased contraction frequency of every 1 to 2 minutes; dark red vaginal bleeding; and a tense,painful abdomen.The nurse suspects the onset of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  Eclamptic seizure 
B)  Rupture of the uterus 
C)  Placenta previa 
D)  Placental abruption

Question 2

In planning care for women with pre-eclampsia,what should the nurse be aware of?

Accepted Answer

A)  Induction of labour is likely, as near term as possible. 
B)  If at home, the woman should be confined to her bed, even with mild pre-eclampsia. 
C)  A special diet low in protein and salt should be initiated. 
D)  Vaginal birth is still an option, even in severe cases.

Question 3

What should the nurse be aware of in relation to women who may need surgery during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A)  The diagnosis of appendicitis may be difficult, because the normal signs and symptoms mimic some normal changes in pregnancy. 
B)  Rupture of the appendix is less likely in pregnant women because of the close monitoring. 
C)  Surgery for intestinal obstructions should be delayed as long as possible because it usually affects the pregnancy. 
D)  When pregnancy takes over, a woman is less likely to have ovarian problems that require invasive responses.

Question 4

In caring for the woman with disseminated intravascular coagulation ( DIC ),which order should the nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

A)  Administration of blood 
B)  Preparation of the patient for invasive hemodynamic monitoring 
C)  Restriction of intravascular fluids 
D)  Administration of steroids

Question 5

A primigravida is being monitored in her prenatal clinic for pre-eclampsia.Which finding should concern her nurse?

Accepted Answer

A)  Blood pressure (BP) increase to 138/86 mm Hg 
B)  Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks 
C)  Urine protein reading of 0.05 g/L on two occasions 
D)  Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day

Question 6

In caring for an immediate postpartum patient,you note petechiae and oozing from her IV site.Based on this assessment,what clotting disorder would the nurse monitor her closely for?

Accepted Answer

A)  Disseminated intravascular coagulation ( DIC ) 
B)  Amniotic fluid embolism ( AFE ) 
C)  Hemorrhage 
D)  HELLP syndrome

Question 7

What should nurses be aware of regarding miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is a natural pregnancy loss before labour begins. 
B)  It occurs in fewer than 5% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. 
C)  It often can be attributed to careless maternal behaviour, such as poor nutrition or excessive exercise. 
D)  If it occurs before the twelfth week of pregnancy, it may present only as moderate discomfort and blood loss.

Question 8

A woman with severe pre-eclampsia has been receiving magnesium sulfphate by intravenous infusion for 8 hours.The nurse assesses the woman and documents the following findings: temperature of 37.1°C,pulse rate of 96 beats/min,respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min,blood pressure (BP)of 155/112 mm Hg,3+ deep tendon reflexes,and no ankle clonus.The nurse should anticipate a doctor's order for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  Hydralazine 
B)  Magnesium sulphate bolus 
C)  Diazepam 
D)  Calcium gluconate

Question 9

A patient who has undergone a dilation and curettage for early pregnancy loss is likely to be discharged the same day.Her vital signs are stable,bleeding has been controlled,and she has a low-normal hemoglobin level.To promote an optimal recovery,which of the following should be part of discharge teaching for this woman?

Accepted Answer

A)  Iron supplementation 
B)  Resumption of intercourse at 6 weeks following the procedure 
C)  Can resume normal activity level with no restrictions 
D)  Expectation of heavy bleeding for at least 2 weeks

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a bleeding disorder in late pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A)  Placenta previa 
B)  Abruptio placentae 
C)  Spontaneous abortion 
D)  Cord insertion

Question 11

A woman with pre-eclampsia has a seizure.What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ensure a patent airway. 
B)  Suction the mouth to prevent aspiration. 
C)  Administer oxygen by mask. 
D)  Stay with the patient to provide emotional support.

Exam 13: Pregnancy at Risk: Gestational Conditions