A nurse is assessing a postpartum person's pain level following a cesarean section. What is the most appropriate intervention for pain management?
- A. administer IV fluids
- B. administer narcotics
- C. perform gentle uterine massage
- D. perform gentle fundal massage
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: perform gentle uterine massage. This intervention is appropriate as it helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can reduce postpartum bleeding and pain. Uterine massage also helps to promote involution of the uterus, aiding in the recovery process. Administering IV fluids (A) may be necessary but does not directly address pain management. Administering narcotics (B) may provide pain relief but should be used judiciously due to potential side effects. Performing gentle fundal massage (D) is not recommended as it may cause discomfort and is not as effective in managing post-cesarean pain compared to uterine massage.
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A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports swelling in the feet and hands. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia.
- B. Encourage the patient to elevate her feet and rest for 30 minutes.
- C. Recommend that the patient drink more water and reduce sodium intake.
- D. Assess the patient for signs of a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia. At 32 weeks gestation, swelling in the feet and hands can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial as elevated blood pressure is a key indicator of preeclampsia. Assessing for other signs of preeclampsia such as headache, visual disturbances, or upper abdominal pain is important for early detection and management. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while elevation of feet, rest, hydration, and reducing sodium intake are important in managing mild swelling during pregnancy, in this case, the priority is to rule out preeclampsia which can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Assessing for blood clots or deep vein thrombosis is also important but
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which of the following should the nurse recommend to improve iron absorption?
- A. Take iron supplements with milk to increase absorption.
- B. Take iron supplements with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice.
- C. Take iron supplements with calcium-rich foods to improve absorption.
- D. Take iron supplements with coffee or tea to aid absorption.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take iron supplements with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by converting non-heme iron (plant-based) into a more absorbable form. This combination increases the bioavailability of iron. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. A: Taking iron supplements with milk can decrease iron absorption due to calcium and casein in milk inhibiting iron absorption. C: Calcium-rich foods can inhibit iron absorption when taken together. D: Coffee and tea contain tannins that can inhibit iron absorption.
The nurse is providing prenatal education to a patient who is at 20 weeks gestation. Which of the following topics should the nurse prioritize during this visit?
- A. Managing gestational diabetes
- B. Reviewing newborn care practices
- C. Educating about normal pregnancy changes
- D. Discussing postpartum care
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Educating about normal pregnancy changes. At 20 weeks gestation, the priority is to educate the patient about normal physiological changes she may experience during pregnancy. This knowledge helps the patient understand what is considered normal and when to seek medical attention. Managing gestational diabetes (A) is important but typically addressed later in pregnancy. Reviewing newborn care practices (B) and discussing postpartum care (D) are important topics but not a priority at 20 weeks gestation. It is essential to focus on educating the patient about the current stage of pregnancy to promote optimal prenatal care.
A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about gestational diabetes. Which of the following is a key sign that the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Frequent urination and excessive thirst
- B. Nausea and vomiting after meals
- C. Increased appetite and weight gain
- D. Fatigue and dizziness during physical activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Frequent urination and excessive thirst. In gestational diabetes, the body may not be able to produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. The excess sugar in the blood can cause increased thirst and frequent urination as the body tries to eliminate the sugar through urine. This is a key sign that the nurse should monitor for in a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation. Nausea and vomiting after meals (B) are more commonly associated with morning sickness in early pregnancy. Increased appetite and weight gain (C) can occur during pregnancy but are not specific signs of gestational diabetes. Fatigue and dizziness during physical activity (D) can be common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased demands on the body but are not specific to gestational diabetes.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 32 weeks gestation and reports a sudden increase in vaginal discharge. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Assess the color, consistency, and odor of the discharge.
- B. Instruct the patient to rest and monitor the discharge.
- C. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake to reduce discharge.
- D. Perform a pelvic exam to check for signs of preterm labor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the color, consistency, and odor of the discharge. This is the priority action because sudden increase in vaginal discharge could indicate potential issues such as infection or preterm labor. By assessing the characteristics of the discharge, the nurse can gather important information to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice B is incorrect as simply instructing the patient to rest and monitor the discharge does not address the potential seriousness of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as increasing fluid intake may not necessarily reduce the discharge and could potentially worsen the situation if there is an underlying issue. Choice D is incorrect as performing a pelvic exam should not be the initial priority without first assessing the characteristics of the discharge.