It is important for the nurse providing care during labor to be ...

[mmm]

It is important for the nurse providing care during labor to be aware that pregnant women can usually tolerate the normal blood loss associated with childbirth because they have
 
  a. A higher hematocrit
  b. Increased blood volume
  c. A lower fibrinogen level
  d. Increased leukocytes

Question 2

A nurse is assessing an infant. The assessment that might indicate the infant's respiratory status is worsening is:
 
  1. Acrocyanosis.
  2. An arterial CO2 of 40.
  3. Periorbital edema.
  4. Grunting respirations with nasal flaring.

[IRincones]

Answer to Question 1

B
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A The hematocrit decreases with pregnancy due to the high fluid volume.
B Women have a significant increase in blood volume during pregnancy. After
delivery, the additional circulating volume is no longer necessary.
C Fibrinogen levels increase with pregnancy.
D Leukocyte levels increase during labor, but that is not the reason for the
toleration of blood loss.

Answer to Question 2

4
Rationale:
1. Acrocyanosis (cyanosis of the extremities) is a normal finding in an infant.
2. A CO2 of 40 is within a normal range.
3. Periorbital edema does not necessarily mean deterioration in respiratory status.
4. Grunting respirations with nasal flaring indicate that respiratory status is becoming worse.