Pre-term Labor > Maternal & Newborn
Exam Review
Patient Education and Discharge Planning
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is caring for a client who has preterm labor.
Which finding should the nurse report as a potential complication of preterm labor?
Explanation
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a potential complication of preterm labor that affects the intestines of premature infants.NEC can cause inflammation, infection and tissue death in the bowel, leading to serious problems such as perforation, sepsis and shock.NEC usually occurs within the first two weeks of life and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice A is wrong because decreased fetal heart rate is not a complication of preterm labor, but a sign of fetal distress that may indicate a problem with the placenta, umbilical cord or fetus.
Choice C is wrong because hypothermia due to low fat stores is not a complication of preterm labor, but a common condition of premature infants who have difficulty maintaining their body temperature due to their immature skin and lack of subcutaneous fat.
Choice D is wrong because increased amniotic fluid production is not a complication of preterm labor, but a condition called polyhydramnios that may occur in pregnancies with multiple fetuses, diabetes, fetal anomalies or infections.Polyhydramnios can increase the risk of preterm labor, but it is not a consequence of it.
A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about pre-term labor.
Which activity should the nurse advise the client to avoid?
Explanation
Heavy lifting can increase the risk of preterm labor by putting stress on the uterus and cervix.
The nurse should advise the client to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities during pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because drinking plenty of fluids is important for pregnant women to prevent dehydration, which can also trigger preterm labor.
The nurse should encourage the client to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Choice C is wrong because taking prenatal vitamins is beneficial for pregnant women and their babies.Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D that support fetal growth and development.
The nurse should instruct the client to take prenatal vitamins as prescribed by their health care provider.
Choice D is wrong because reporting decrease in fetal movement is a sign of possible fetal distress or complications.The nurse should advise the client to monitor their baby’s movements and call their health care provider if they notice any changes or concerns.
A client at 34 weeks of gestation is at risk for pre-term labor.
Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's education?
Explanation
Perform fetal kick counts daily.
Fetal kick counts are a way of monitoring the baby’s well-being and detecting any signs of distress.They can also help identify preterm labor, as a decrease in fetal movement may indicate uterine contractions or placental insufficiency.
Choice B is wrong because strenuous exercise can increase the risk of preterm labor by causing dehydration, uterine irritability, or cervical changes.Women at risk for preterm labor should avoid vigorous physical activity and limit moderate exercise to 30 minutes per day.
Choice C is wrong because caffeine can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce blood flow to the placenta, which can lead to preterm labor or fetal growth restriction.Women at risk for preterm labor should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.
Choice D is wrong because participating in support groups may not have a direct effect on preventing preterm labor, although it may help reduce stress and anxiety, which are potential risk factors for preterm birth.Women at risk for preterm labor should seek emotional and social support from their health care providers, family, friends, or community resources.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who experienced pre-term labor.
Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the instructions?
Explanation
“I will report any decrease in fetal movement.” This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of monitoring fetal well-being and seeking medical attention if there are signs of fetal distress.Decreased fetal movement can indicate problems with the placenta, cord, or fetus that may require intervention.
Choice B is wrong because engaging in sexual intercourse can stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of preterm labor.
Women who have experienced preterm labor should avoid sexual activity until they reach term.
Choice C is wrong because breastfeeding a preterm infant can provide many benefits, such as reducing the risk of infection, enhancing bonding, and improving neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Women who have preterm infants should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed or express breast milk for their babies.
Choice D is wrong because ignoring signs or symptoms of preterm labor can lead to delayed treatment and increased complications for both mother and baby.Women who have experienced preterm labor should be educated about the warning signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions, pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, or low back pain, and instructed to call their healthcare provider or go to the hospital if they occur.
A nurse is instructing a client on how to recognize pre-term labor.
Which signs should the nurse include?
Explanation
Uterine contractions are a sign of preterm labor, which occurs when the cervix begins to open before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Preterm labor can lead to premature birth and complications for the baby.
Choice B is wrong because increased fetal movement is not a sign of preterm labor.
Fetal movement may vary throughout pregnancy and does not indicate labor.
Choice C is wrong because urinary frequency is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
It is caused by the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder and does not indicate labor.
Choice D is wrong because decreased vaginal discharge is not a sign of preterm labor.
In fact, some women may notice an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in its color or consistency as a sign of labor.This is called the mucus plug or bloody show and it means that the cervix is dilating and preparing for delivery.
Normal ranges for uterine contractions are about 10 to 15 minutes apart and last for 30 to 60 seconds.
If contractions are more frequent, regular, or painful, they may indicate preterm labor and require medical attention.
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