Maternal Complications Flashcards
6 cards from real Maternal Newborn Nursing Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Maternal Complications flashcards as text
A patient develops eclampsia and begins seizing during labor. What is the nurse's FIRST priority action?
Answer: Turn the patient to her side and protect her from injury
The first priority during an eclamptic seizure is patient safety — turning her to the side prevents aspiration and maintains a patent airway while protecting her from self-injury.
A patient is admitted with hyperemesis gravidarum. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
Answer: Assess hydration status and initiate IV fluid replacement
Hyperemesis gravidarum causes severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances; assessment of hydration status and IV fluid/electrolyte replacement is the immediate priority.
A patient at 20 weeks gestation is diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and undergoes cervical cerclage. Which discharge instruction should the nurse provide?
Answer: Report any uterine contractions, bleeding, or ruptured membranes immediately
After cerclage placement, patients must be educated to report contractions, bleeding, or membrane rupture immediately as these may indicate cerclage failure or preterm labor.
A patient at 36 weeks has been diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy). Which symptom is most characteristic?
Answer: Intense generalized pruritus, worst on the palms and soles
The hallmark symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is intense pruritus, especially on the palms and soles, caused by bile salt accumulation under the skin.
A pregnant patient has a hemoglobin of 9.2 g/dL and is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which instruction about iron supplementation is most important?
Answer: Take iron with orange juice or vitamin C to enhance absorption
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the absorption of non-heme iron by converting ferric iron to the more absorbable ferrous form; dairy products and calcium decrease iron absorption.
A patient with gestational diabetes is at 38 weeks gestation. Her fasting glucose readings have been 95–105 mg/dL on dietary management alone. What intervention is indicated?
Answer: Initiate insulin therapy as dietary control has failed
Fasting glucose levels above 95 mg/dL despite dietary management indicate inadequate blood glucose control, and insulin therapy should be initiated to protect fetal outcomes.