Maternal NCLEX Practice Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
Twenty-four hours post—vaginal delivery, the postpartum client tells the nurse that she is concerned because she has not had a bowel movement (BM) since before delivery. Which action should be taken by the nurse?
A. Document the data in the client's health care records
B. Notify the health care provider immediately
C. Administer a laxative that has been prescribed pm
D. Assess the client's abdomen and bowel sounds
Explanation: A spontaneous BM may not occur for 2 to 3 days after childbirth due to decreased muscle tone in the intestines during labor and the immediate postpartum period, possible prelabor diarrhea, and decreased food intake and dehydration during labor. Thus, documentation of the lack of a BM is the only action required. There is no need to notify the HCP for a normal finding. A laxative is unnecessary since a BM is not expected for 2 to 3 days postdelivery. Bowel sounds are not altered by a vaginal delivery, even though the passage of stool through the intestines is slowed.
Question 2 of 5.
On the basis of the health history data, how should the nurse record the client's pregnancy status on the prenatal records?
A. Multipara
B. Primipara
C. Primigravida
D. Multigravida
Explanation: A primigravida is a woman pregnant for the first time, which matches the client's status of being possibly 2 months pregnant with no prior pregnancies.
Question 3 of 5.
Which assessment finding best represents a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Palpable fetal outline
B. Blotchy tan facial skin
C. Positive pregnancy test
D. Fetal heartbeat
Explanation: A fetal heartbeat, detected by Doppler or ultrasound, is a positive sign of pregnancy, as it directly confirms the presence of a living fetus.
Question 4 of 5.
Before the pelvic examination, which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Give the client an enema.
B. Instruct the client to urinate.
C. Shave the client's perineum.
D. Give the client a mild sedative.
Explanation: Instructing the client to urinate ensures a comfortable examination by emptying the bladder, which can interfere with pelvic assessment.
Question 5 of 5.
The nurse responds that, for clients with uncomplicated pregnancies, it is usually best to plan monthly visits for the first 28 weeks and then more frequent visits following which schedule?
A. Weekly for the remainder of the pregnancy
B. Every 2 weeks for the remainder of the pregnancy
C. Every 2 weeks up to 36 weeks, then weekly for the last month
D. Weekly up to 36 weeks, then twice weekly for the last month
Explanation: Standard prenatal care involves monthly visits until 28 weeks, biweekly until 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter for uncomplicated pregnancies.
Related Questions
The nurse includes which topic in the prenatal education plan for a first-time mother?
Which response by the nurse addresses the client's anxiety about childbirth?
Which sign of labor should the nurse teach the client to report immediately?
Which instruction should the nurse provide about postpartum recovery?