Maternal and Newborn Care Flashcards

A nurse is caring for a client at 38 weeks gestation who reports sudden, painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which condition does this presentation most likely indicate?

Answer: Placenta previa

Placenta previa typically presents with sudden, painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester due to the placenta covering the cervical os.

A postpartum client is being discharged after a cesarean birth. Which instruction is most important regarding activity restrictions?

Answer: Refrain from driving for at least 2 weeks or while taking opioid analgesics

Driving is contraindicated while taking opioid analgesics and typically for at least 2 weeks post-cesarean due to impaired reaction time and incisional pain.

A newborn at 24 hours of life has a bilirubin level of 9 mg/dL. The nurse understands that physiological jaundice in term newborns typically appears:

Answer: Between 24 and 72 hours of life

Physiological jaundice in term newborns typically appears between 24 and 72 hours of life, distinguishing it from pathological jaundice which appears within the first 24 hours.

A nurse is monitoring a client in active labour and notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What is the priority nursing action?

Answer: Reposition the client to the left lateral position

Repositioning to the left lateral position is the first priority action to relieve aortocaval compression and improve uteroplacental blood flow when late decelerations are noted.

Which finding in a 2-day-old newborn should the nurse report to the physician immediately?

Answer: Respiratory rate of 68 breaths per minute

A respiratory rate of 68 breaths per minute exceeds the normal newborn range of 30–60 breaths per minute and requires immediate physician notification.

A client at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which medication does the nurse anticipate will be ordered to prevent seizures?

Answer: Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in clients with preeclampsia.

A nurse is teaching a new mother about breast engorgement. Which statement by the mother indicates understanding?

Answer: I can apply warm compresses and massage before feeding to help milk flow

Warm compresses and breast massage before feeding promote milk let-down and help relieve engorgement while maintaining breastfeeding.