A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is experiencing strong contractions. What is the most important intervention to support the laboring person during this time?
- A. provide comfort measures
- B. assist with breathing exercises
- C. provide reassurance and comfort
- D. administer antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide comfort measures. Comfort measures such as massage, positioning, and relaxation techniques help the laboring person cope with the pain and intensity of contractions. By providing comfort, the nurse can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a more positive labor experience.
Choice B (assist with breathing exercises) can be helpful, but comfort measures are more essential for overall well-being during labor. Choice C (provide reassurance and comfort) is similar to the correct answer but lacks the specific action of providing comfort measures. Choice D (administer antibiotics) is irrelevant to the management of strong contractions and is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason for antibiotics.
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A 34-week gestation woman calls the obstetric office stating, 'Since last night I have had three nosebleeds.'
- A. You should see the doctor to make sure you are not becoming severely anemic.
- B. Do you have a temperature?
- C. One of the hormones of pregnancy makes the nasal passages prone to bleeds.
- D. Do you use any inhaled drugs?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pregnancy hormones increase blood supply to mucous membranes, making them more prone to bleeding. Nosebleeds are generally harmless unless associated with other symptoms.
A nurse is providing prenatal education to a patient who is 22 weeks gestation. Which of the following topics should be emphasized at this stage of pregnancy?
- A. Signs and symptoms of preterm labor
- B. Signs of gestational diabetes
- C. Breastfeeding education
- D. Postpartum care
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Signs and symptoms of preterm labor. At 22 weeks gestation, it is crucial to educate the patient about potential signs of preterm labor to help prevent premature birth and ensure the well-being of the baby. Symptoms such as regular contractions, abdominal cramping, backache, and vaginal bleeding should be discussed. This topic is time-sensitive and requires immediate action if observed.
Summary of other choices:
B: Signs of gestational diabetes - While important, monitoring for gestational diabetes typically occurs later in pregnancy, usually around 24-28 weeks.
C: Breastfeeding education - Important, but not as time-sensitive as preterm labor education.
D: Postpartum care - Relevant but more appropriate for later stages of pregnancy or after birth, not specifically at 22 weeks gestation.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 32 weeks gestation and is concerned about the safety of taking prescription medications. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. You should avoid all prescription medications during pregnancy.
- B. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the medications are safe for you and your baby.
- C. Take your prescription medications as directed without any concerns during pregnancy.
- D. You can take your prescription medications as long as they are not over-the-counter products.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer, B, is appropriate because it emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of prescription medications during pregnancy. This step is crucial as healthcare providers can assess the risks versus benefits of medication use in pregnancy and provide personalized recommendations. Choice A is incorrect as some medications may be necessary for the health of the mother and baby. Choice C is incorrect as not all prescription medications are safe during pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as the safety of prescription medications in pregnancy is not solely determined by whether they are over-the-counter or not. Consulting with a healthcare provider is the best course of action to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
A patient with gestational hypertension is being monitored during labor. What is the most important factor to assess?
- A. Fetal heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Uterine contractions
- D. Fetal malpresentation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. In a patient with gestational hypertension, monitoring blood pressure is crucial to assess for worsening hypertension, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia. Elevated blood pressure can affect both maternal and fetal well-being. Assessing fetal heart rate (A) is important but not the most critical factor in this scenario. Uterine contractions (C) are important but secondary to monitoring blood pressure. Fetal malpresentation (D) can impact delivery but is not the most vital factor to assess in a patient with gestational hypertension.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who reports feeling lightheaded and faint when standing. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods.
- B. Take deep breaths and rise quickly from a seated position.
- C. Rest and avoid any physical activity during the day.
- D. Sit upright and avoid bending forward at the waist.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods. This recommendation is appropriate for the patient's symptoms of lightheadedness and fainting, which could be due to dehydration or low blood pressure common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake can help maintain adequate blood volume and pressure. Avoiding prolonged standing can prevent pooling of blood in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of dizziness.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Taking deep breaths and rising quickly may worsen symptoms by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
C: Complete rest and avoiding physical activity may not address the underlying issue of hydration or blood pressure.
D: Sitting upright and avoiding bending forward may not directly address the need for increased fluid intake and reduced standing time.