Chapter 01: 21st Century Maternity and Women’s Health
Nursing
Lowdermilk: Maternity & Women’s Health Care, 13th Edition
Maternity and Women's Health Care: 9780323810180: Medicine & Health
Science
Table of Contents
Chapter Title
Chapter 01 21st Century Maternity and Women’s Health Nursing
Chapter 02 Community Care: The Family and Culture
Chapter 03 Nursing and Genomics
Chapter 04 Assessment and Health Promotion
Chapter 05 Violence Against Women
Chapter 06 Reproductive System Concerns
Chapter 07 Sexually Transmitted and Other Infections
Chapter 08 Contraception and Abortion
Chapter 09 Infertility
Chapter 10 Problems of the Breast
Chapter 11 Structural Disorders and Neoplasms of the Reproductive System
Chapter 12 Conception and Fetal Development
Chapter 13 Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy
Chapter 14 Nursing Care of the Family During Pregnancy
Chapter 15 Maternal and Fetal Nutrition
Chapter 16 Labor and Birth Processes
Chapter 17 Maximizing Comfort for the Laboring Woman
Chapter 18 Fetal Assessment During Labor
Chapter 19 Nursing Care of the Family During Labor and Birth
Chapter 20 Postpartum Physiologic Changes
Chapter 21 Nursing Care of the Family During the Postpartum Period
Chapter 22 Transition to Parenthood
Chapter 23 Physiologic and Behavioral Adaptations of the Newborn
Chapter 24 Nursing Care of the Newborn and Family
Chapter 25 Newborn Nutrition and Feeding
Chapter 26 Assessment of High Risk Pregnancy
Chapter 27 Hypertensive Disorders
Chapter 28 Hemorrhagic Disorders
Chapter 29 Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Chapter 30 Medical-Surgical Disorders
Chapter 31 Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse
Chapter 32 Labor and Birth Complications
Chapter 33 Postpartum Complications
Chapter 34 Nursing Care of the High Risk Newborn
Chapter 35 Acquired Problems of the Newborn
Chapter 36 Hemolytic Disorders and Congenital Anomalies
Chapter 37 Perinatal Loss, Bereavement, and Grief
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MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In evaluating the level of a pregnant woman’s risk of having a low-birth-
weight (LBW) infant, which factor is most important for the nurse to consider?
A. African-American race
B. Cigarette smoking
C. Poor nutritional status
D. Limited maternal education
ANS: A. African-American race
Rationale:
Among African-American births, the incidence of low-birth-weight infants is approximately
twice that of Caucasian births. Race is considered a nonmodifiable risk factor. Smoking, poor
nutrition, and limited maternal education are important but modifiable risk factors.
2. What is the primary role of practicing nurses in the research process?
A. Designing research studies
B. Collecting data for researchers
C. Identifying researchable problems
D. Obtaining funding for studies
ANS: C. Identifying researchable problems
Rationale:
Recognizing clinical problems is essential for initiating nursing research. Research supports
evidence-based practice and improves client care outcomes.
3. A 23-year-old African-American woman is pregnant with her first child. Based
on infant mortality statistics, which nursing intervention is most important?
A. Perform a nutrition assessment
B. Refer the client to a social worker
C. Encourage care by an obstetrician instead of a midwife
D. Stress the importance of prenatal appointments
ANS: D. Stress the importance of prenatal appointments
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Rationale:
Consistent prenatal care is the most effective strategy for reducing risks associated with infant
mortality. Prenatal visits allow for early identification and treatment of complications.
4. During a prenatal intake interview, the nurse is assessing a 21-year-old
Hispanic client with limited English proficiency. Which action is most
important?
A. Use medical terminology frequently
B. Speak rapidly to shorten the interview
C. Give written educational handouts
D. Verify the client understands the discussion
ANS: D. Verify the client understands the discussion
Rationale:
Nurses should use simple language, avoid medical jargon, and confirm client understanding to
improve health literacy and communication.
5. Nurses at a birthing center compare their maternal-newborn care
performance with established standards. This process is known as:
A. Best practices network
B. Clinical benchmarking
C. Outcomes-oriented practice
D. Evidence-based practice
ANS: C. Outcomes-oriented practice
Rationale:
Outcomes-oriented practice evaluates the quality and effectiveness of care by comparing
outcomes to benchmarks or standards.
6. Which statement best reflects contemporary maternity nursing?
A. All vaginal births are attended by midwives
B. Family-centered care is emphasized
C. Free-standing clinics are standard
D. Care is physician directed
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ANS: B. Family-centered care is emphasized
Rationale:
Modern maternity nursing focuses on involving the family in the birth experience and supporting
individualized care decisions.
7. A woman delivered a 9-pound, 6-ounce infant vaginally after a prolonged
labor. The newborn died from sepsis 3 days later. Which circumstance may
support a legal claim of negligence?
A. An inexperienced nurse cared for the client
B. The pregnancy exceeded the due date by 3 days
C. The standard of care was not followed
D. The client refused fetal monitoring
ANS: C. The standard of care was not followed
Rationale:
Negligence occurs when accepted standards of care are not met, resulting in client harm.
8. A nurse is unsure how to perform a high-risk, low-volume procedure. What
action should the nurse take first?
A. Ask another nurse
B. Contact the physician
C. Review a nursing textbook
D. Follow the agency procedure manual
ANS: D. Follow the agency procedure manual
Rationale:
Agency policies and procedures reflect current standards of care and should guide nursing
actions.
9. The National Quality Forum identifies “never events” related to maternal-
child care. Which event does NOT specifically apply to obstetric clients?
A. Infant discharged to the wrong person
B. Kernicterus caused by untreated hyperbilirubinemia
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