Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Flashcards

If vaginal fluid has blood in it, the nitrazine test for amniotic fluid will show it.

Answer: May show a false positive

If vaginal fluid contains blood, the nitrazine test for amniotic fluid may show a false positive result. This is because blood, like amniotic fluid, has an alkaline pH. The presence of blood can elevate the pH of the vaginal fluid, leading the nitrazine paper to change color as if amniotic fluid were present, even if the membranes are intact.

The most crucial preoperative action for an elective Caesarean is to

Answer: Confirm fetal maturity

For an elective Caesarean section, the most crucial preoperative action is to confirm fetal maturity. This ensures that the baby's lungs and other vital organs are sufficiently developed to support life outside the womb, minimizing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications associated with prematurity. Without confirmed maturity, the risks of an elective early delivery outweigh the benefits.

Frequently, an excessively long umbilical cord leads to

Answer: Transient decelerations

An excessively long umbilical cord frequently leads to transient decelerations in the fetal heart rate. A longer cord increases the likelihood of it becoming wrapped around the fetus or compressed during labor, temporarily reducing blood flow and oxygen. These brief interruptions in oxygen supply manifest as transient drops in the fetal heart rate, which are then monitored closely.

When pregnant, mouth issues are frequently

Answer: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a very common mouth issue frequently experienced during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone, make the gums more sensitive, leading to inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. This condition, often referred to as 'pregnancy gingivitis,' requires good oral hygiene to manage and prevent further complications.

Fetal traits during the initial phase of responsiveness after birth include

Answer: Alert state and movement of limbs

During the initial phase of responsiveness after birth, newborns typically exhibit an alert state and active movement of limbs. This 'first period of reactivity' usually lasts for about 30 minutes to an hour, during which the infant is wide awake, has strong sucking reflexes, and is highly responsive. This alert phase is crucial for initial bonding and successful breastfeeding.

Supporting a patient's desire to get an opioid and an epidural throughout labor is an illustration of the moral rule of

Answer: Autonomy

Supporting a patient's desire to receive an opioid and an epidural throughout labor is an illustration of the moral rule of autonomy. Autonomy in healthcare respects the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own medical care and personal preferences, free from coercion. This principle empowers the patient to actively participate in choices regarding their labor and delivery experience.

How many hours should the patient refrain from using drugs before Subutex (buprenorphine) administration's induction phase?

Answer: 12 - 24

Before the induction phase of Subutex (buprenorphine) administration, the patient should refrain from using opioids for 12-24 hours. This period of abstinence is crucial to ensure the patient is in a state of mild to moderate opioid withdrawal. Starting buprenorphine too soon can precipitate acute and severe withdrawal symptoms, as buprenorphine can displace other opioids from receptors.