RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 14
RN exams · maternity and newborn
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questionsset 14
You work labor, postpartum, and newborn safety items the way maternity exams write the next action. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the RN exams exam guide or more RN exams practice questions.
Five maternity and newborn questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A family is concerned about how their 2-year-old son is going to react to the new baby. Which intervention would help facilitate sibling attachment?
A. Have the mother and father spend individual time with their son to allay potential anxiety over the new baby coming in and displacing his position in the family as the only child.
B. Make sure that their son is supervised at all times when the baby is brought home
C. Include the son in helping to take care of the baby and reinforce the label of “big brother†as a special role.
D. Observe the son’s reaction to the baby and let him decide when he wants to be
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Include the son in helping to take care of the baby and reinforce the label of “big brother†as a special role.
The correct answer is C because involving the 2-year-old son in caring for the new baby and reinforcing his role as a "big brother" can help facilitate sibling attachment. This intervention promotes bonding, fosters a sense of responsibility, and helps the son feel included in the family dynamic. It also allows the son to feel special in his new role, leading to positive feelings towards the new baby.
Choice A is incorrect as just spending individual time with the son may not address his concerns about the new baby and could potentially reinforce any feelings of displacement. Choice B is incorrect as constant supervision may not necessarily facilitate sibling attachment and could lead to feelings of restriction or resentment. Choice D is incorrect as it puts the onus solely on the son without providing clear guidance or support in navigating the new family dynamic.
Question 2
A multiparous patient reports severe uterine cramps the first day after a vaginal delivery. The nurse is aware the patient is breastfeeding and associates the patient's pain primarily with which occurrence?
A. An increase in oxytocin release related to the newborn suckling
B. The presence of intense afterbirth pains related to multiparity
C. An expected response to the daily administration of oxytocin
D. The efforts of the uterus to return to a prepregnancy condition
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — An increase in oxytocin release related to the newborn suckling
The correct answer is A: An increase in oxytocin release related to the newborn suckling. After delivery, breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, causing uterine contractions. This helps the uterus to contract, reduce bleeding, and return to its normal size. This process can result in uterine cramps, especially in multiparous women.
B: The presence of intense afterbirth pains related to multiparity - Afterbirth pains are common in multiparous women, but they are different from uterine cramps due to breastfeeding.
C: An expected response to the daily administration of oxytocin - The patient is breastfeeding, not receiving daily oxytocin administration.
D: The efforts of the uterus to return to a prepregnancy condition - While this is true, the primary reason for the uterine cramps in this scenario is the increased oxytocin release from breastfeeding.
Question 3
The nurse is admitting a 38-year-old patient to triage in early labor with ruptured membranes. Her history includes a previous vaginal delivery 4 years ago and the presence of a uterine fibroid. What interventions are appropriate based on the hemorrhage risk for this patient?
A. The patient is a moderate hemorrhage risk, so a type and screen should be ordered.
B. The patient is a high hemorrhage risk, so 4 units of packed red blood cells should be ordered.
C. The patient is a low hemorrhage risk, so a hold tube should be drawn.
D. The patient is a moderate hemorrhage risk, but blood is not drawn at this time.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — The patient is a moderate hemorrhage risk, so a type and screen should be ordered.
Step 1: The patient is in early labor with ruptured membranes, which increases the risk of hemorrhage.
Step 2: The presence of a uterine fibroid also contributes to the hemorrhage risk.
Step 3: Previous vaginal delivery 4 years ago does not significantly alter the hemorrhage risk.
Step 4: Ordering a type and screen will allow for rapid access to blood products if needed in case of hemorrhage.
Step 5: This is a moderate hemorrhage risk situation, warranting the need for preparing for potential blood transfusion.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect as ordering 4 units of packed red blood cells is excessive for a moderate hemorrhage risk.
- Choice C is incorrect as a hold tube will not provide immediate access to blood products in case of hemorrhage.
- Choice D is incorrect as blood should be drawn to be prepared for potential hemorrhage in a moderate risk situation.
Question 4
For which patient should the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion be discontinued immediately?
A. A patient in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each
B. A patient in early labor with contractions every 5 minutes lasting 40 seconds each
C. A patient in active labor with contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds each
D. A patient in active labor with contractions every 2 to 3 minutes lasting 70 to 80 seconds each
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — A patient in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each
The correct answer is A because a patient in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each is experiencing very intense and frequent contractions, indicating high uterine activity. Discontinuing oxytocin infusion is crucial in this scenario to prevent hyperstimulation, which can lead to fetal distress or uterine rupture.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient is in early labor and the contractions are less frequent and less intense compared to the correct answer. Choice C is incorrect as the patient in active labor with contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds each is not as intense as the patient in transition in the correct answer. Choice D is incorrect because although the contractions are frequent and lasting longer, the intensity described in choice A is more concerning and requires immediate discontinuation of oxytocin infusion.
Question 5
A nurse is providing postpartum care to a G4P4 woman who gave birth vaginally 48 hours ago to a 9 pound 10 ounce boy with only a pudendal block for anesthesia. The physician has written orders for the woman to have a sitz bath three times a day. Which information is most closely correlated with the order?
A. The woman is multiparous.
B. The woman has an episiotomy.
C. The woman had a vaginal birth.
D. The woman received a pudendal block for anesthesia.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — The woman has an episiotomy.
The correct answer is B because having an episiotomy is directly related to the need for a sitz bath postpartum. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening, which can cause discomfort and swelling postpartum. A sitz bath helps to soothe and cleanse the area, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection.
Choice A (The woman is multiparous) is incorrect as the number of pregnancies does not directly correlate with the need for a sitz bath.
Choice C (The woman had a vaginal birth) is incorrect because all women who give birth vaginally can benefit from a sitz bath, not just this woman specifically.
Choice D (The woman received a pudendal block for anesthesia) is incorrect as the type of anesthesia used does not determine the need for a sitz bath; it is more related to the presence of an episiotomy.
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Question 6
The nurse includes the addition of ice sitz baths for the postpartum patient. Which assessment finding indicates the treatment has been effective?
A. No swelling or edema to the perineal area
B. Patient complains that the sitz bath is too col
C. Patient reports she took two sitz baths in 12 hours.
D. Edges of the perineal laceration are well approximate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the absence of swelling or edema to the perineal area indicates that the ice sitz baths have been effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Swelling and edema are common postpartum, and the use of ice sitz baths can help reduce these symptoms.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient complaining that the sitz bath is too cold does not provide information on the effectiveness of the treatment, only the patient's comfort level.
Choice C is incorrect because the frequency of sitz baths does not necessarily indicate effectiveness. It is more important to assess the outcomes of the treatment rather than the number of baths taken.
Choice D is incorrect because the approximation of perineal laceration edges may be influenced by other factors such as suturing technique, rather than the effectiveness of the ice sitz baths.
A patient presents to the labor and birth area for emergent birth. Vaginal exam reveals that the patient is fully dilated, vertex, +2 station, with ruptured membranes. The patient is extremely apprehensive because this is her first childbirth experience and asks for an epidural to be administered now. What is the priority nursing response based on this patient assessment?
A. Use contact anesthesia for an epidural and prepare the patient per protocol.
B. Tell the patient that she will not need any pain medication because the birth will be over in a matter of minutes and the pain will stop.
C. Assist the patient with nonpharmacologic methods of pain distraction during this time as you prepare for vaginal birth.
D. Call the physician for admitting orders.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C. In this scenario, the patient is fully dilated and at +2 station, indicating imminent birth. The priority nursing response should focus on assisting the patient with nonpharmacologic pain distraction methods as the birth is likely to occur soon. Nonpharmacologic pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, positioning changes, massage, and emotional support can help alleviate the patient's anxiety and provide comfort during this intense stage of labor. Administering an epidural at this late stage may not be feasible or effective due to the advanced stage of labor and imminent birth. Options A and D are not appropriate as they do not address the immediate needs of the patient in active labor. Option B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's request for pain relief and fails to address her emotional and physical needs during labor.
A patient presents to the labor and birth area for emergent birth. Vaginal exam reveals that the patient is fully dilated, vertex, +2 station, with ruptured membranes. The patient is extremely apprehensive because this is her first childbirth experience and asks for an epidural to be administered now. What is the priority nursing response based on this patient assessment?
A. Use contact anesthesia for an epidural and prepare the patient per protocol.
B. Tell the patient that she will not need any pain medication because the birth will be over in a matter of minutes and the pain will stop.
C. Assist the patient with nonpharmacologic methods of pain distraction during this time as you prepare for vaginal birth.
D. Call the physician for admitting orders.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C. In this scenario, the patient is fully dilated and at +2 station, indicating imminent birth. The priority nursing response should focus on assisting the patient with nonpharmacologic pain distraction methods as the birth is likely to occur soon. Nonpharmacologic pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, positioning changes, massage, and emotional support can help alleviate the patient's anxiety and provide comfort during this intense stage of labor. Administering an epidural at this late stage may not be feasible or effective due to the advanced stage of labor and imminent birth. Options A and D are not appropriate as they do not address the immediate needs of the patient in active labor. Option B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's request for pain relief and fails to address her emotional and physical needs during labor.
A family is concerned about how their 2-year-old son is going to react to the new baby. Which intervention would help facilitate sibling attachment?
A. Have the mother and father spend individual time with their son to allay potential anxiety over the new baby coming in and displacing his position in the family as the only child.
B. Make sure that their son is supervised at all times when the baby is brought home
C. Include the son in helping to take care of the baby and reinforce the label of “big brother” as a special role.
D. Observe the son’s reaction to the baby and let him decide when he wants to be
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because involving the 2-year-old son in caring for the new baby and reinforcing his role as a "big brother" can help facilitate sibling attachment. This intervention promotes bonding, fosters a sense of responsibility, and helps the son feel included in the family dynamic. It also allows the son to feel special in his new role, leading to positive feelings towards the new baby.
Choice A is incorrect as just spending individual time with the son may not address his concerns about the new baby and could potentially reinforce any feelings of displacement. Choice B is incorrect as constant supervision may not necessarily facilitate sibling attachment and could lead to feelings of restriction or resentment. Choice D is incorrect as it puts the onus solely on the son without providing clear guidance or support in navigating the new family dynamic.
Which complication could occur as a result of percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)?
A. Postdates pregnancy
B. Fetal bradycardia
C. Placenta previa
D. Uterine rupture
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Fetal bradycardia. During PUBS, a needle is inserted into the umbilical cord to obtain fetal blood for testing. This procedure carries a risk of causing fetal bradycardia, which is a decrease in the fetal heart rate. This can be a serious complication as it may indicate fetal distress. It is important to monitor the fetal heart rate during and after the procedure to detect and address any signs of bradycardia promptly.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Postdates pregnancy - PUBS is not known to cause postdates pregnancy.
C: Placenta previa - PUBS is not associated with the development of placenta previa.
D: Uterine rupture - PUBS does not typically lead to uterine rupture.
In summary, fetal bradycardia is the potential complication of PUBS due to the invasive nature of the procedure and the risk of affecting fetal well-being.
A nurse is caring for a laboring person in the second stage of labor. What is the most appropriate intervention when the perineum starts to bulge?
A. apply warm compresses to the perineum
B. apply gentle pressure to the perineum
C. prepare the person for episiotomy
D. perform perineal massage
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: apply gentle pressure to the perineum. This intervention helps to support the perineum and reduce the risk of perineal tearing during childbirth. Applying gentle pressure can slow down the baby's descent and allow the perineum to stretch gradually, reducing the likelihood of severe tearing. This intervention is important to promote a safe and controlled delivery.
Incorrect answer explanations:
A: Applying warm compresses may provide some comfort but does not specifically address the need to support the perineum during childbirth.
C: Episiotomy should be considered only when necessary and not as a routine intervention when the perineum bulges.
D: Perineal massage is typically done during the prenatal period to help prepare the perineum for childbirth but is not the most appropriate intervention when the perineum starts to bulge during labor.
The nurse is planning care for a patient during the fourth stage of labor. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Offer the patient a warm blanket.
B. Place an ice pack on the perineum.
C. Massage the uterus if it is boggy.
D. Delay breastfeeding until the patient is reste
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because offering the patient a warm blanket helps prevent hypothermia, which can occur due to heat loss during the delivery process. This intervention promotes patient comfort and helps maintain their body temperature.
Choice B is incorrect because placing an ice pack on the perineum is typically done in the immediate postpartum period to reduce swelling and discomfort, not during the fourth stage of labor.
Choice C is incorrect because massaging the uterus if it is boggy is a postpartum intervention to prevent or treat uterine atony, not typically performed during the fourth stage of labor.
Choice D is incorrect because delaying breastfeeding until the patient is rested is not necessary during the fourth stage of labor. Breastfeeding should be initiated as soon as possible after delivery to promote bonding and stimulate milk production.
The nurse is educating a new postpartum woman about peri-care. Which action by the client indicates understanding?
A. The woman applied her peri-pad from back to front.
B. The woman performed peri-care three times a day.
C. The woman washed her hands before and after performing peri-care.
D. The woman mixed tap water and hydrogen peroxide in her peri-bottle.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because washing hands before and after performing peri-care is crucial to prevent infection. Beforehand, it reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the perineal area. Afterward, it prevents potential contamination of hands. This action demonstrates understanding of maintaining proper hygiene during peri-care.
Explanation of other choices:
A: Applying the peri-pad from back to front is incorrect as it can introduce bacteria from the rectal area to the vaginal area, increasing the risk of infection.
B: Performing peri-care three times a day is not necessarily an indication of understanding proper technique and hygiene. Frequency alone does not ensure correct practice.
D: Mixing tap water and hydrogen peroxide in the peri-bottle is not recommended as it can disrupt the natural flora in the perineal area and cause irritation.
A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of fetal viability is called a:
A. primipar
B. primigravida
C. multipara
D. nulligravida.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: primipar. A primipar refers to a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus reaching the stage of fetal viability. This term specifically indicates that the woman has given birth to at least one viable fetus.
Explanation:
1. Primipar specifically refers to the number of completed pregnancies, indicating one pregnancy with a viable fetus.
2. Primigravida (B) refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time and has not yet given birth.
3. Multipara (C) refers to a woman who has completed two or more pregnancies resulting in viable offspring.
4. Nulligravida (D) refers to a woman who has never been pregnant.
In summary, the correct answer, primipar, is the most accurate term to describe a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus reaching the stage of fetal viability, distinguishing her from the other choices.
Which intervention is an essential part of nursing care for a laboring patient?
A. Helping the woman manage the pain
B. Eliminating the pain associated with labor
C. Feeling comfortable with the predictable nature of intrapartal care
D. Sharing personal experiences regarding labor and birth to decrease her anxiety
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because helping the woman manage the pain is essential in nursing care for a laboring patient to ensure her comfort and well-being during labor. This intervention includes providing pain relief measures, such as positioning, massage, breathing techniques, and administering pain medication if needed. The focus is on supporting the woman's coping mechanisms and enhancing her overall birthing experience.
Choice B is incorrect because eliminating pain completely is not always possible or recommended in labor, as some pain is a natural part of the process. Choice C is incorrect as comfort with the predictable nature of care is not as crucial as providing active pain management. Choice D is incorrect because sharing personal experiences may not be relevant or helpful to the laboring patient and may not address her specific needs during labor.
About these RN exams maternity and newborn questions
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 14 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.