Maternal Fetal Monitoring Related

Review Maternal Fetal Monitoring related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 18 weeks gestation who complains of feeling lightheaded when standing. What should the nurse advise the patient to do?

  • A. Take deep breaths and lie flat on your back.
  • B. Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods.
  • C. Take frequent rests while sitting upright.
  • D. Change positions slowly and sit down immediately if feeling faint.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because changing positions slowly helps prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness. Sitting down immediately if feeling faint promotes safety and prevents falls. Taking deep breaths and lying flat on the back (choice A) can exacerbate lightheadedness by reducing blood flow to the brain. Increasing fluid intake and avoiding prolonged standing (choice B) may help with other issues but may not directly address the lightheadedness. Taking frequent rests while sitting upright (choice C) does not address the issue of changing positions slowly to prevent lightheadedness.