Obstetric Nurse Obstetric Emergencies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse is assisting with a delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia. After the provider has attempted gentle traction without success, which nursing intervention should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Assisting the client into the McRoberts maneuver position.

Answer

Applying fundal pressure.

Answer

Preparing for an immediate cesarean section.

Answer

Encouraging the client to push with an open glottis.

Question 2

A client with a history of a previous classical cesarean section is in active labor. Which of the following clinical findings would be most indicative of a uterine rupture?

Accepted Answer

A sudden, sharp abdominal pain followed by a cessation of contractions.

Answer

A gradual increase in the intensity of contractions.

Answer

The presenting part moving down the birth canal.

Answer

A fetal heart rate tracing showing early decelerations.

Question 3

A multiparous client has a precipitous vaginal delivery. Moments after birth, she becomes acutely dyspneic, hypotensive, and cyanotic. She then experiences a seizure and develops disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). These findings are most characteristic of which obstetric emergency?

Accepted Answer

Amniotic fluid embolism.

Answer

Pulmonary embolism.

Answer

Eclamptic seizure.

Answer

Postpartum hemorrhage.

Question 4

A client at 8 weeks gestation presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of spotting and crampy lower abdominal pain. She now reports a sudden, severe, unilateral lower quadrant pain that radiates to her shoulder. Which condition should the nurse be most concerned about?

Accepted Answer

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Answer

Miscarriage.

Answer

Appendicitis.

Answer

Ovarian torsion.

Question 5

A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia with severe features. Which of the following assessment findings is the earliest sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Loss of deep tendon reflexes (DTRs).

Answer

Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute.

Answer

Urine output of 15 mL/hr.

Answer

Sudden drop in blood pressure.

Question 6

Immediately following the delivery of the placenta, the nurse observes a large, red, rounded mass protruding from the introitus. The client reports severe abdominal pain and her blood pressure drops to 80/40 mmHg. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Anticipate the need for a tocolytic agent and notify the provider.

Answer

Administer a bolus of oxytocin.

Answer

Vigorously massage the protruding mass.

Answer

Cover the mass with a warm, moist sterile towel.