ACTUAL EXAM WITH COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALLES RATED A+
The nurse is preparing a pregnant patient for an abdominal
ultrasound at 8 weeks' gestation. What intervention will the nurse
implement before this diagnostic test?
a. Instruct the patient to take nothing by mouth after midnight the
night before the test.
b. Initiate an IV.
c. Encourage the patient to drink 1 to 2 quarts of water before the
test.
d. Instruct the patient to remove all jewelry.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize
structures within the body; the examination may use a trCorrect
Answervaginal probe or an abdominal trCorrect Answerducer;
abdominal ultrasound during early pregnancy requires a full
bladder for proper visualization (have the woman drink 1 to 2
quarts of water before the examination).
The young prenatal patient with gestational diabetes mellitus
(GDM) says, "I am frightened that I will have to deal with insulin
injections for the rest of my life." What is the best response by the
nurse?
,a. "After delivery your doctor will prescribe oral hypoglycemic
medication to control your disease. Pills are so much simpler than
insulin injections."
b. "Have you considered an insulin pump?"
c. "After a while those insulin injections won't seem so bad."
d. "It will most likely resolve 6 weeks or so after the baby is born."
CORRECT ANSWER: D
GDM usually resolves by 6 weeks after delivery.
The nurse is caring for a prenatal patient diagnosed with a
placenta previa. What is the best position for this patient?
a. Flat on her back with knees flexed to help prevent hemorrhage
b. On her side to prevent supine hypotension
c. In the semi-Fowler's position to prevent supine hypotension
d. In the knee-chest position to reduce pressure on the placenta
CORRECT ANSWER: B
The prenatal patient with placenta previa is best placed on her
side with a pillow for support. This position not only reduces
stress on the placenta but also reduces the possibility of supine
hypotension.
A woman who is 35 weeks pregnant has a total placenta previa.
She asks the nurse, "Will I be able to deliver vaginally?" What
explanation by the nurse is the most appropriate?
a. "Yes, you can deliver vaginally until 36 weeks."
b. "A vaginal delivery can be attempted, but if bleeding occurs, a
cesarean section will be done."
,c. "A cesarean section is performed when the mother has a total
placenta previa."
d. "There is no reason why you cannot have a vaginal delivery."
CORRECT ANSWER: C
A cesarean delivery is done for a partial or total placenta previa.
What drug will the nurse plan to have available for immediate IV
administration whenever magnesium sulfate is administered to a
maternity patient?
a. Ergonovine maleate (Ergotrate)
b. Oxytocin
c. Calcium gluconate
d. Hydralazine (Apresoline)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Calcium gluconate reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate and
should be available for immediate use when a woman receives
magnesium sulfate.
A woman seeking prenatal care relates a history of macrosomic
infants, two stillbirths, and polyhydramnios with each pregnancy.
What does the nurse recognize these factors highly suggest?
a. Toxoplasmosis
b. Abruptio placentae
c. Hydatidiform mole
d. Diabetes mellitus
, CORRECT ANSWER: D
Large (macrosomic) infants over 9 pounds are linked to
gestational diabetes.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant woman diagnosed with
preeclampsia. What will the nurse explain is the objective of
magnesium sulfate therapy for this patient?
a. To prevent convulsions
b. To promote diaphoresis
c. To increase reflex irritability
d. To act as a saline cathartic
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant given
to prevent seizures.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant woman receiving an
intravenous infusion with magnesium sulfate. What is the most
appropriate nursing intervention?
a. Count respirations and report a rate of less than 12
breaths/min.
b. Count respirations and report a rate of more than 20
breaths/min.
c. Check blood pressure and report a rate of less than 100/60 mm
Hg.
d. Monitor urinary output and report a rate of less than 100 mL/hr.
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Excessive magnesium sulfate may cause respiratory depression