A nurse is working in the prenatal clinic. Which of the following findings seen in third-trimester pregnant women would the nurse consider to be within normal limits?
- A. Leg cramps.
- B. Varicose veins.
- C. Hemorrhoids.
- D. Fainting spells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Leg cramps, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids are common complaints during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on the lower extremities. Fainting spells are not considered normal and may indicate an underlying issue.
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A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation who complains of pain in the lower abdomen and back. The nurse finds no signs of labor. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the patient to rest and monitor for any changes in symptoms.
- B. Administer pain medication and schedule an appointment with the doctor.
- C. Perform a pelvic exam to determine the cause of the pain.
- D. Instruct the patient to remain in bed for the rest of the day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to rest and monitor for any changes in symptoms. At 36 weeks gestation, the patient might be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or round ligament pain, which are common in late pregnancy. Encouraging rest allows for potential relief of discomfort. Monitoring for any changes in symptoms is essential to rule out preterm labor. Option B is incorrect as administering pain medication without identifying the cause may mask symptoms of preterm labor. Option C is incorrect as performing a pelvic exam could potentially cause harm if the patient is experiencing preterm labor. Option D is incorrect as prolonged bed rest is not recommended in pregnancy and may not alleviate the pain or address the underlying cause.
A pregnant patient is concerned about the use of caffeine during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Caffeine is completely safe during pregnancy and has no impact on the baby.
- B. Moderate caffeine consumption is safe, but it is recommended to limit it to 200 mg per day.
- C. You should avoid caffeine completely to prevent any complications.
- D. Caffeine can cause premature labor, so it should be avoided entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Moderate caffeine consumption is safe, but it is recommended to limit it to 200 mg per day during pregnancy. This answer is appropriate because it balances the potential risks of caffeine with the benefits of moderate consumption. Excessive caffeine intake has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, so setting a limit is a prudent approach.
Explanation for Incorrect Choices:
A: This statement is incorrect as excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can have negative effects on the baby.
C: Complete avoidance of caffeine is not necessary unless the individual has specific health concerns that warrant it.
D: While high levels of caffeine can be linked to complications, the statement that caffeine always causes premature labor is an oversimplification.
A client is 15 weeks pregnant. She calls the obstetric office to request a medication for a headache. The nurse answers the telephone. Which of the following is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Because the organ systems in the baby are developing right now, it is risky to take medicine.
- B. You can take any of the over-the-counter medications because they are all safe in pregnancy.
- C. The physician will prescribe a category 'X' medication for you.
- D. You can take acetaminophen because it is a category 'B' medicine.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acetaminophen is a category 'B' medication, which is considered safe during pregnancy. Other over-the-counter medications may not be safe, and category 'X' medications are contraindicated.
What is the primary purpose of performing a vaginal examination during labor?
- A. to assess cervical dilation and effacement
- B. to assess fetal well-being and progress of labor
- C. to identify fetal distress
- D. to assess fetal descent and station
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the primary purpose of performing a vaginal examination during labor is to assess fetal well-being and progress of labor. By conducting a vaginal exam, healthcare providers can monitor the fetal heart rate, position, and stage of labor. This information helps determine if the labor is progressing normally and if any interventions are needed. Choice A is incorrect because cervical dilation and effacement can be assessed but are not the primary purpose. Choice C is incorrect as fetal distress is typically identified through other methods such as continuous fetal monitoring. Choice D is incorrect as assessing fetal descent and station can be done through vaginal examination but is not the primary purpose.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 22 weeks gestation and is concerned about her weight gain. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. I should aim to gain 1 to 2 pounds per week during my pregnancy.
- B. I will avoid eating extra food to prevent excessive weight gain.
- C. I can eat for two during my pregnancy to ensure the baby's growth.
- D. I will maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to support my pregnancy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - "I can eat for two during my pregnancy to ensure the baby's growth."
Rationale:
1. Eating for two is a common misconception; the pregnant woman only needs an additional 300-500 calories per day.
2. Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain which may pose risks to both the mother and the baby.
3. The statement does not reflect an accurate understanding of healthy nutrition during pregnancy.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Choosing to gain 1 to 2 pounds per week aligns with healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
B: Avoiding excessive food intake is an appropriate strategy to prevent excessive weight gain.
D: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy.