When providing care for a pregnant woman, the nurse should be aware that one of the most frequently
reported maternal medical risk factors is:
a. diabetes mellitus.
b. mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
c. chronic hypertension.
d. anemia. - correct answers ANS: A
The most frequently reported maternal medical risk factors are diabetes and hypertension associated
with pregnancy. Both of these conditions are associated with maternal obesity. There are no studies
that indicate MVP is among the most frequently reported maternal risk factors. Hypertension associated
with pregnancy, not chronic hypertension, is one of the most frequently reported maternal medical risk
factors. Although anemia is a concern in pregnancy, it is not one of the most frequently reported
maternal medical risk factors in pregnancy
To ensure optimal outcomes for the patient, the contemporary maternity nurse must incorporate both
teamwork and communication with clinicians into her care delivery. The SBAR technique of
communication is an easy-to-remember mechanism for communication. Which of the following
correctly defines this acronym?
a. Situation, baseline assessment, response
b. Situation, background, assessment, recommendation
c. Subjective background, assessment, recommendation
,d. Situation, background, anticipated recommendation - correct answersANS: B
The situation, background, assessment, recommendation (SBAR) technique provides a specific
framework for communication among health care providers. Failure to communicate is one of the major
reasons for errors in health care. The SBAR technique has the potential to serve as a means to reduce
errors.
The role of the professional nurse caring for childbearing families has evolved to emphasize:
a. providing care to patients directly at the bedside.
b. primarily hospital care of maternity patients.
c. practice using an evidence-based approach.
d. planning patient care to cover longer hospital stays. - correct answersANS: C
Professional nurses are part of the team of health care providers who collaboratively care for patients
throughout the childbearing cycle. Providing care to patients directly at the bedside is one of the nurse's
tasks; however, it does not encompass the concept of the evolved professional nurse. Throughout the
prenatal period, nurses care for women in clinics and physician's offices and teach classes to help
families prepare for childbirth. Nurses also care for childbearing families in birthing centers and in the
home. Nurses have been critically important in developing strategies to improve the well-being of
women and their infants and have led the efforts to implement clinical practice guidelines using an
evidence-based approach. Maternity patients have experienced a decreased, rather than an increased,
length of stay over the past two decades.
A 23-year-old African-American woman is pregnant with her first child. Based on the statistics for infant
mortality, which plan is most important for the nurse to implement?
a. Perform a nutrition assessment.
b. Refer the woman to a social worker.
,c. Advise the woman to see an obstetrician, not a midwife.
d. Explain to the woman the importance of keeping her prenatal care appointments. - correct
answersANS: D
Consistent prenatal care is the best method of preventing or controlling risk factors associated with
infant mortality. Nutritional status is an important modifiable risk factor, but a nutrition assessment is
not the most important action a nurse should take in this situation. The patient may need assistance
from a social worker at some time during her pregnancy, but a referral to a social worker is not the most
important aspect the nurse should address at this time. If the woman has identifiable high risk problems,
her health care may need to be provided by a physician. However, it cannot be assumed that all African-
American women have high risk issues. In addition, advising the woman to see an obstetrician is not the
most important aspect on which the nurse should focus at this time, and it is not appropriate for a nurse
to advise or manage the type of care a patient is to receive.
During a prenatal intake interview, the nurse is in the process of obtaining an initial assessment of a 21-
year-old Hispanic patient with limited English proficiency. It is important for the nurse to:
a. use maternity jargon in order for the patient to become familiar with these terms.
b. speak quickly and efficiently to expedite the visit.
c. provide the patient with handouts.
d. assess whether the patient understands the discussion. - correct answersANS: D
Nurses contribute to health literacy by using simple, common words; avoiding jargon; and evaluating
whether the patient understands the discussion. Speaking slowly and clearly and focusing on what is
important increase understanding. Most patient education materials are written at too high a level for
the average adult and may not be useful for a patient with limited English proficiency.
When managing health care for pregnant women at a prenatal clinic, the nurse should recognize that
the most significant barrier to access to care is the pregnant woman's:
, a. age.
b. minority status.
c. educational level.
d. inability to pay. - correct answersANS: D
The most significant barrier to health care access is the inability to pay for services; this is compounded
by the fact that many physicians refuse to care for women who cannot pay. Although adolescent
pregnant patients statistically receive less prenatal care, age is not the most significant barrier.
Significant disparities in morbidity and mortality rates exist for minority women; however, minority
status is not the most significant barrier to access of care. Disparities in educational level are associated
with morbidity and mortality rates; however, educational level is not the most significant barrier to
access of care.
When the nurse is unsure about how to perform a patient care procedure, the best action would be to:
a. ask another nurse.
b. discuss the procedure with the patient's physician.
c. look up the procedure in a nursing textbook.
d. consult the agency's procedure manual and follow the guidelines for the procedure. - correct
answersANS: D
It is always best to follow the agency's policies and procedures manual when seeking information on
correct patient procedures. These policies should reflect the current standards of care and state
guidelines. Each nurse is responsible for her own practice. Relying on another nurse may not always be
safe practice. Each nurse is obligated to follow the standards of care for safe patient care delivery.
Physicians are responsible for their own patient care activity. Nurses may follow safe orders from