A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of folic acid during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates effective teaching?
- A. I will stop taking folic acid after the first trimester to reduce the risk of birth defects.
- B. Folic acid is important for preventing neural tube defects in the baby's brain and spine.
- C. I can get enough folic acid by eating a healthy diet, so I don't need supplements.
- D. I should take folic acid only if I have a family history of birth defects.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Choice B is correct because folic acid is indeed important for preventing neural tube defects in the baby's brain and spine. These defects can occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, emphasizing the need for sufficient folic acid intake throughout pregnancy.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Stopping folic acid after the first trimester is not recommended as neural tube development occurs early in pregnancy.
C: While a healthy diet is important, it may not provide enough folic acid during pregnancy, hence supplements are often recommended.
D: Family history of birth defects is not the sole indication for taking folic acid, as all pregnant women benefit from its preventive effects.
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A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation who reports feeling itchy and has noticed jaundice. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
- A. Gestational diabetes
- B. Preeclampsia
- C. Cholestasis of pregnancy
- D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cholestasis of pregnancy. This condition presents with itching, especially on the palms and soles, and jaundice. It is more common in the third trimester. Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver condition that can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby if not managed promptly. Gestational diabetes (Choice A) presents with high blood sugar levels. Preeclampsia (Choice B) is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Hyperthyroidism (Choice D) involves an overactive thyroid gland, which can present with symptoms such as weight loss and palpitations.
A nurse is preparing a laboring person for an epidural block. What is the nurse's priority action before the procedure?
- A. ensure the birthing person is positioned correctly
- B. check for allergies to anesthesia
- C. administer a test dose of anesthesia
- D. administer IV fluids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ensure the birthing person is positioned correctly. This is the priority action because proper positioning is crucial for the safe and effective administration of an epidural block. Incorrect positioning can lead to complications such as inadequate pain relief, nerve damage, or difficulty in performing the procedure. Checking for allergies to anesthesia (B) is important but not the priority before positioning. Administering a test dose of anesthesia (C) should only be done after ensuring correct positioning. Administering IV fluids (D) is important but not the priority action before positioning.
A nurse is assisting a laboring person with an epidural. What is the most important nursing intervention prior to the procedure?
- A. ensure proper positioning
- B. ensure informed consent
- C. monitor contractions
- D. assist with controlled breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure informed consent. This is crucial before any medical procedure, including epidural administration. It ensures the laboring person understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the epidural. Proper positioning (choice A) is important during the procedure but not the most critical pre-procedure intervention. Monitoring contractions (choice C) and assisting with breathing (choice D) are important aspects of labor support but not directly related to obtaining informed consent for the epidural.
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 30 weeks gestation about safe physical activity. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Perform strenuous exercise to strengthen muscles and improve endurance.
- B. Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, to maintain health.
- C. Avoid all physical activity during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications.
- D. Engage in high-impact exercises to strengthen bones and joints.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in moderate exercise like walking or swimming is safe and beneficial for pregnant women at 30 weeks gestation. Moderate exercise helps maintain health, improves circulation, reduces stress, and prepares the body for labor. Strenuous exercise (A) can be risky and may lead to complications. Avoiding all physical activity (C) can result in deconditioning and potential complications. High-impact exercises (D) can be too intense and pose a risk of injury during pregnancy. Prioritizing moderate exercise aligns with current guidelines for safe physical activity during pregnancy.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is at 38 weeks gestation and reports a sudden decrease in fetal movement. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Encourage the patient to drink a cold beverage and lie down to stimulate fetal movement.
- B. Ask the patient to monitor fetal movements for 24 hours and report any changes.
- C. Perform a nonstress test and assess fetal heart rate.
- D. Wait until the next prenatal appointment to check for fetal movement.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, performing a nonstress test and assessing fetal heart rate. This is the priority action because a sudden decrease in fetal movement at 38 weeks gestation could indicate fetal distress or potential complications. A nonstress test helps evaluate fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. This test provides immediate information about the baby's condition and any need for further intervention. Encouraging the patient to drink a cold beverage and lie down may not be effective in this situation, as it does not address the underlying cause of decreased fetal movement. Asking the patient to monitor fetal movements for 24 hours could delay necessary intervention, and waiting until the next prenatal appointment could lead to missed opportunities for timely assessment and management of fetal distress.