1.
When assessing the adequacy of sperm for conception to occur, which of the following is the most useful criterion?
Correct Answer
B. Sperm motility
Explanation
Sperm motility is the most useful criterion when assessing the adequacy of sperm for conception to occur. Motility refers to the ability of sperm to move and swim effectively. It is crucial for sperm to be able to navigate through the female reproductive tract and reach the egg for fertilization to take place. Even if a man has a high sperm count, if the sperm are not motile, they may not be able to fertilize the egg. Therefore, sperm motility is a key factor in determining the likelihood of successful conception.
2.
Which of the following urinary symptoms does the pregnant woman most frequently experience during the first trimester?
Correct Answer
B. Frequency
Explanation
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the pregnant woman most frequently experiences the symptom of frequency. This refers to the need to urinate more often than usual. This symptom is caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which puts pressure on the bladder. It is a common and normal symptom experienced by many pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy.
3.
Heartburn and flatulence, common in the second trimester, are most likely the result of which of the following?
Correct Answer
C. Decreased gastric acidity
Explanation
Heartburn and flatulence in the second trimester are most likely the result of decreased gastric acidity. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles in the body, including the muscles that control the opening between the esophagus and the stomach. This relaxation can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. Additionally, decreased gastric acidity can also contribute to the development of gas in the digestive system, resulting in flatulence.
4.
On which of the following areas would the nurse expect to observe chloasma?
Correct Answer
D. Cheeks, forehead, and nose
Explanation
Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a skin condition characterized by dark patches on the face. These patches typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, and nose, which are areas that are commonly exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it is expected that a nurse would observe chloasma on these specific areas of the face.
5.
A pregnant client states that she “waddles” when she walks. The nurse’s explanation is based on which of the following as the cause?
Correct Answer
C. Relaxation of the pelvic joints
Explanation
During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released which causes the ligaments and joints in the pelvic area to become more relaxed and flexible. This allows for the baby to pass through the birth canal during delivery. As a result of this relaxation, the pelvic joints may become looser and unstable, leading to a change in the woman's gait and causing her to "waddle" when she walks. The other options, such as the large size of the newborn, pressure on the pelvic muscles, and excessive weight gain, may contribute to discomfort during pregnancy but are not specifically related to the waddling gait.
6.
Which of the following represents the average amount of weight gained during pregnancy?
Correct Answer
C. 24 to 30 lb
Explanation
During pregnancy, it is normal for women to gain weight due to the growth of the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, and increased blood volume. The average amount of weight gained during pregnancy is typically between 24 to 30 lb. This range takes into account the various factors that contribute to weight gain during pregnancy and is considered a healthy and normal range for most women.
7.
Which of the following would the nurse identify as a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
Correct Answer
B. Nausea and vomiting
Explanation
Nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced during the early stages of pregnancy and are considered presumptive signs. These symptoms are often referred to as morning sickness and can occur due to hormonal changes in the body. While they are not definitive proof of pregnancy, they are often one of the first signs that women notice and can indicate the possibility of being pregnant. The other options, such as Hegar sign (softening of the cervix), skin pigmentation changes, and a positive serum pregnancy test, are considered probable or positive signs of pregnancy, rather than presumptive signs.
8.
During which of the following would the focus of classes be mainly on physiologic changes, fetal development, sexuality, during pregnancy, and nutrition?
Correct Answer
B. First trimester
Explanation
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the focus of classes would mainly be on physiologic changes, fetal development, sexuality, and nutrition. This is because the first trimester is a crucial period when the body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing fetus. It is important for expectant mothers to understand these changes and how they can affect their health and the development of the baby. Additionally, nutrition plays a vital role during this period as it directly impacts the growth and development of the fetus. Therefore, classes during the first trimester would primarily focus on these topics.
9.
Which of the following would be disadvantage of breast feeding?
Correct Answer
C. The father may resent the infant’s demands on the mother’s body
Explanation
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish a baby, but it may lead to the father feeling left out or resentful. This is because breastfeeding requires the mother to spend a significant amount of time and energy on feeding the baby, which can make the father feel excluded or less involved in the caregiving process. This disadvantage can strain the relationship between the parents and create feelings of resentment or frustration.
10.
A client LMP began July 5. Her EDD should be which of the following?
Correct Answer
C. April 12
Explanation
The EDD (Estimated Due Date) is calculated by adding 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). In this case, if the client's LMP began on July 5, adding 280 days would give us April 12 as the estimated due date.
11.
Which of the following fundal heights indicates less than 12 weeks’ gestation when the date of the LMP is unknown?
Correct Answer
A. Uterus in the pelvis
Explanation
The fundal height is a measurement of the distance from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone. In early pregnancy, the uterus is still located in the pelvis. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus gradually moves up and out of the pelvis. Therefore, if the fundal height is at the level of the pelvis, it indicates less than 12 weeks of gestation when the date of the last menstrual period (LMP) is unknown.
12.
Which of the following prenatal laboratory test values would the nurse consider as significant?
Correct Answer
B. Rubella titer less than 1:8
Explanation
A rubella titer less than 1:8 is considered significant because it indicates that the pregnant woman is not immune to rubella. Rubella is a viral infection that can cause serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to be immune to rubella. A titer of 1:8 or higher indicates immunity, while a titer less than 1:8 indicates a lack of immunity.
13.
Which of the following characteristics of contractions would the nurse expect to find in a client experiencing true labor?
Correct Answer
D. Increasing intensity with walking
Explanation
During true labor, contractions become more intense and frequent as the labor progresses. This is because walking and movement can help the baby move down the birth canal, causing increased pressure on the cervix and intensifying the contractions. Therefore, the nurse would expect to find increasing intensity with walking in a client experiencing true labor.
14.
During which of the following stages of labor would the nurse assess “crowning”?
Correct Answer
B. Second stage
Explanation
During the second stage of labor, the nurse would assess "crowning." This is because the second stage of labor is the stage when the baby's head begins to appear at the vaginal opening. Crowning refers to the moment when the widest part of the baby's head is visible and stretching the vaginal opening. It is an important milestone indicating that the baby is about to be born. Therefore, it is during the second stage of labor that the nurse would assess crowning.
15.
Which of the following actions demonstrates the nurse’s understanding about the newborn’s thermoregulatory ability?
Correct Answer
A. Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer.
Explanation
Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer demonstrates the nurse's understanding about the newborn's thermoregulatory ability. This action helps to maintain the newborn's body temperature by providing external heat, which is important for a newborn as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature effectively.
16.
Immediately before expulsion, which of the following cardinal movements occur?
Correct Answer
D. External rotation
Explanation
Immediately before expulsion, the fetus undergoes external rotation. This movement refers to the rotation of the baby's head as it aligns with the mother's pelvis during the birthing process. It allows for the baby's shoulders to pass through the birth canal more easily. Descent, flexion, and extension are cardinal movements that occur earlier in the birthing process, while external rotation happens just before expulsion.
17.
Which of the following when present in the urine may cause a reddish stain on the diaper of a newborn?
Correct Answer
B. Uric acid crystals
Explanation
Uric acid crystals, when present in the urine of a newborn, can cause a reddish stain on their diaper. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally excreted in urine. In newborns, the concentration of uric acid in the urine is often high, leading to the formation of crystals. These crystals can cause discoloration of the diaper, resulting in a reddish stain. This is a common occurrence in newborns and is not typically a cause for concern.
18.
Which of the following is true regarding the fontanels of the newborn?
Correct Answer
C. The anterior is large in size when compared to the posterior fontanel.
Explanation
The anterior fontanel is larger in size when compared to the posterior fontanel of a newborn. Fontanels are soft spots on a baby's skull that allow for the growth and expansion of the brain. The anterior fontanel is located at the top of the baby's head and is shaped like a diamond, while the posterior fontanel is located at the back of the head and is triangular in shape. The anterior fontanel typically closes between 8 to 12 weeks of age, while the posterior fontanel closes at around 18 months.
19.
Which of the following statements best describes hyperemesis gravidarum?
Correct Answer
B. Severe nausea and vomiting leading to electrolyte, metabolic, and nutritional imbalances in the absence of other medical problems.
Explanation
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is different from normal morning sickness as it leads to electrolyte, metabolic, and nutritional imbalances. This means that the excessive vomiting can cause imbalances in important substances in the body, such as electrolytes and nutrients. This condition occurs in the absence of other medical problems, distinguishing it from other causes of vomiting like gastrointestinal irritation or internal bleeding.
20.
In which of the following types of spontaneous abortions would the nurse assess dark brown vaginal discharge and a negative pregnancy tests?
Correct Answer
C. Missed
Explanation
In a missed spontaneous abortion, the fetus has died but is not expelled from the uterus. This can result in the presence of dark brown vaginal discharge, which is a sign of old blood. Additionally, a negative pregnancy test indicates that the hormone levels associated with pregnancy have decreased, further supporting the diagnosis of a missed abortion.
21.
Which of the following would the nurse assess in a client experiencing abruptio placenta?
Correct Answer
B. Concealed or external dark red bleeding
Explanation
In a client experiencing abruptio placenta, the nurse would assess for concealed or external dark red bleeding. This is because abruptio placenta is a condition where the placenta separates prematurely from the uterine wall, leading to bleeding. The bleeding may be concealed, meaning it is trapped behind the placenta, or it may be external and visible. The dark red color of the bleeding indicates that it is old blood, which is a characteristic of abruptio placenta. This assessment finding is important to identify and manage the condition promptly to prevent further complications.
22.
Which of the following is described as premature separation of a normally implanted placenta during the second half of pregnancy, usually with severe hemorrhage?
Correct Answer
D. Abruptio placentae
Explanation
Abruptio placentae is described as the premature separation of a normally implanted placenta during the second half of pregnancy, usually with severe hemorrhage. This condition can lead to complications such as fetal distress, preterm birth, and maternal hemorrhage. It is important to diagnose and manage abruptio placentae promptly to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Placenta previa refers to the abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower part of the uterus, ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, and incompetent cervix is the inability of the cervix to retain a pregnancy.
23.
When PROM occurs, which of the following provides evidence of the nurse’s understanding of the client’s immediate needs?
Correct Answer
B. PROM removes the fetus most effective defense against infection
Explanation
PROM (premature rupture of membranes) refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor. This rupture removes the fetus's most effective defense against infection, which is the intact amniotic sac acting as a barrier against pathogens. When the amniotic sac is ruptured, it increases the risk of infection for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, understanding that PROM removes the fetus's most effective defense against infection demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the client's immediate needs, which include preventing infection and ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
24.
Which of the following amounts of blood loss following birth marks the criterion for describing postpartum hemorrhage?
Correct Answer
D. More than 500 ml
Explanation
Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as excessive bleeding following childbirth. The criterion for describing postpartum hemorrhage is when the amount of blood loss exceeds 500 ml. This amount is considered significant and requires medical attention to prevent complications. Blood loss between 200-500 ml is considered normal after childbirth, but anything above 500 ml is considered abnormal and requires intervention.
25.
Which of the following assessment findings would the nurse expect if the client develops DVT?
Correct Answer
C. Muscle pain the presence of Homans sign, and swelling in the affected limb
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that if the client develops DVT, they would experience muscle pain, the presence of Homans sign, and swelling in the affected limb. This is a common presentation of DVT, where the affected limb may be swollen, painful, and show signs of Homans sign, which is pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot.