Maternal and Child Health Nursing Flashcards

A pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation presents with painless bright red vaginal bleeding. Which condition should be suspected first?

Answer: Placenta previa

Placenta previa classically presents with painless bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester due to the low-lying placenta separating from the uterine wall.

Which APGAR score component specifically assesses a newborn's muscle tone?

Answer: Activity

In the APGAR scoring system, 'Activity' (A) refers to muscle tone, scored from 0 (limp) to 2 (active flexion of limbs).

A nurse assesses a breastfed newborn on day 5 of life. Which finding best indicates adequate milk intake?

Answer: 6–8 wet diapers per day

By day 4–5, a well-hydrated, adequately fed newborn should produce 6–8 wet diapers per day, indicating sufficient fluid and caloric intake.

Which stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilation and ends with delivery of the baby?

Answer: Second stage

The second stage of labor spans from full (10 cm) cervical dilation to the birth of the baby, during which the mother actively pushes.

Which medication is routinely administered to newborns immediately after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?

Answer: Vitamin K injection

Vitamin K is administered intramuscularly at birth because newborns have low stores and lack gut bacteria to synthesize it, preventing potentially fatal bleeding.

A nurse observes variable decelerations on continuous fetal heart rate monitoring. What is the priority nursing action?

Answer: Reposition the mother

Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord compression; repositioning the mother (e.g., left lateral or knee-chest position) is the first action to relieve compression.

A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to a mother of a 2-year-old who refuses to eat vegetables. What is the most appropriate recommendation?

Answer: Offer vegetables repeatedly in a positive, pressure-free environment

Repeated, low-pressure exposure to new foods helps toddlers gradually accept them; forcing food creates negative associations and power struggles.