The client, who had preeclampsia and delivered vaginally 4 hours ago,

Maternal NCLEX

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Question 1 of 5.

The client, who had preeclampsia and delivered vaginally 4 hours ago, is still receiving magnesium sulfate IV. When assessing the client's deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), the nurse finds that they are both weak, at 1+, whereas previously they were 2+ and 3+. Which actions should the nurse plan? Select all that apply.

A. Notify the client's HCP about the reduced DTRs.

B. Prepare to increase the magnesium sulfate dose.

C. Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV.

D. Assess the level of consciousness and vital signs.

E. Ask the HCP about drawing a serum calcium level.

Explanation: The HCP should be notified about the decreased DTRs because weakening of these may indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. Increasing the magnesium sulfate dose would worsen the situation and could lead to a depressed respiratory rate. Any time the client is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion, the nurse should be prepared for the possibility of needing the antidote, calcium gluconate. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs and level of consciousness, as decreased level of consciousness and respiratory effort are serious side effects of magnesium sulfate. The nurse should ask the HCP about drawing a serum magnesium level (not a serum calcium level) to determine whether the client is experiencing magnesium toxicity.

Question 2 of 5.

The nurse correctly explains that the bleeding is the result of sloughing of which structure?

A. Endometrium

B. Myometrium

C. Epimetrium

D. None of the above

Explanation: Menstrual bleeding occurs due to the sloughing of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, when pregnancy does not occur.

Question 3 of 5.

On the basis of this finding, the nurse can assume that the client is at least how many months' pregnant?

A. 5 months

B. 6 months

C. 7 months

D. 8 months

Explanation: Ballottement, the rebound of the fetus when the cervix is tapped, is typically detectable around 4-5 months, indicating at least 5 months' gestation.

Question 4 of 5.

The nurse correctly assists the client into which position?

A. Lithotomy

B. Prone

C. Sims'

D. Trendelenburg's

Explanation: The lithotomy position, with legs elevated and apart, is standard for pelvic examinations to provide access to the pelvic area.

Question 5 of 5.

Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

A. Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test can detect this defect.

B. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test can detect this defect.

C. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test can detect this defect.

D. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test can detect this defect.

Explanation: The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test screens for neural tube defects like spina bifida by measuring AFP levels.