Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring Related

Review Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a 38-week pregnant woman who is experiencing severe abdominal pain and has not felt her baby move for several hours. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

  • A. Encourage the patient to drink water and rest.
  • B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
  • C. Ask the patient to lie on her left side and monitor fetal movements.
  • D. Reassure the patient that this is common at the end of pregnancy.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is the most appropriate action because the pregnant woman is experiencing severe abdominal pain and has not felt her baby move for several hours, which could indicate a potential emergency situation such as placental abruption or fetal distress. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider is crucial for timely evaluation and management to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Choice A is incorrect because simply encouraging the patient to drink water and rest may delay necessary medical intervention. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring fetal movements without immediate healthcare provider notification may lead to a critical delay in assessment and treatment. Choice D is incorrect as reassuring the patient without further evaluation could overlook a serious issue.