A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 24 weeks gestation and reports feeling fatigued and weak. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's hemoglobin levels to check for anemia. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of anemia, especially in pregnant women. By assessing the hemoglobin levels, the nurse can determine if the patient is anemic and needs appropriate treatment. This step is crucial for identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Summary:
B: Recommending a high-calorie diet may not address the root cause of the fatigue and weakness, which could be anemia.
C: While rest is important during pregnancy, simply encouraging rest without investigating the cause of the symptoms may delay appropriate treatment.
D: While gentle exercises can be beneficial during pregnancy, they may not be suitable if the patient is experiencing significant fatigue and weakness due to anemia.