Maternal Fetal Monitoring Related

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A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 32 weeks gestation and reports frequent headaches and nausea. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia.
  • B. Administer anti-nausea medication and provide comfort measures.
  • C. Encourage the patient to rest and drink fluids.
  • D. Schedule a follow-up appointment for further evaluation.
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, headaches and nausea could be symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial as preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure. Assessing for signs of preeclampsia, such as proteinuria or visual disturbances, is essential for timely intervention. Administering anti-nausea medication or encouraging rest without addressing the possibility of preeclampsia could delay necessary treatment. Scheduling a follow-up appointment without immediate assessment could also put the patient at risk if preeclampsia is present.