The nurse receives a call from a client who is 38 weeks pregnant ...

[Coya19@aol.com]

The nurse receives a call from a client who is 38 weeks pregnant who says she found a clump of mucus streaked with blood in her underwear and asks what this means. The nurse's best reply is:
 
  1. You might have placenta previa, and should get to the hospital right away.
  2. It indicates the start of labor, and the contractions should start very soon.
  3. You passed your mucus plug, and will probably begin labor within 48 hours.
  4. It might indicate an infection, and you should be seen by the physician today.

Question 2

The nurse admits a client with a diagnosis of pneumonia with moderate respiratory distress requiring oxygen by nasal cannula. What diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate will be ordered to confirm the cause of the infection?
 
  1. CBC with differential
  2. ELISA
  3. Sputum culture
  4. Biopsy

[succesfull]

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: The collection of mucus that collects to block the cervix from infection generally passes as the cervix begins to dilate, and it indicates that labor will likely begin within 48 hours.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: A sputum culture can determine the causative agent of pneumonia, which will then improve the choice of treatment. A CBC might indicate the presence of an infection but will not reveal the causative agent. An ELISA is a test for the presence of antigens such as HIV, and would indicate why the client was sick, but would not expose the causative agent. A biopsy would not be used, because it is highly invasive and the risks would outweigh the benefits.