A pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation reports experiencing leg cramps. What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to recommend?
- A. Increase calcium intake to prevent leg cramps.
- B. Encourage the patient to exercise more to strengthen leg muscles.
- C. Elevate the legs and perform gentle stretching exercises.
- D. Apply heat packs to the legs to relieve cramping.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevate the legs and perform gentle stretching exercises. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on the legs. Elevating the legs helps improve circulation and reduce cramping. Gentle stretching exercises can also help relieve muscle tension. Increasing calcium intake (choice A) may be beneficial for preventing cramps, but it is not the immediate intervention for relief. Exercise (choice B) may worsen cramping if done excessively. Applying heat packs (choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the cramps.
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What is the primary nursing action when a laboring person experiences a ruptured uterus?
- A. prepare for an emergency cesarean section
- B. provide immediate pain relief
- C. apply oxygen via mask
- D. apply pressure to the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: apply oxygen via mask. This is the primary nursing action for a ruptured uterus because it helps improve oxygenation to the laboring person and the fetus. Ruptured uterus can lead to a significant decrease in oxygen supply, so providing oxygen is crucial.
Incorrect choices:
A: preparing for an emergency cesarean section is important but not the primary action in this situation.
B: providing pain relief is important, but ensuring oxygenation is a higher priority.
D: applying pressure to the abdomen is not recommended as it can worsen the condition.
A nurse is providing prenatal education to a pregnant patient. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching about maternal weight gain during pregnancy?
- A. I should aim to gain about 25 to 35 pounds during my pregnancy.
- B. I should eat for two during pregnancy.
- C. I can exercise as long as I stay within my doctor's recommendations.
- D. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase my risk of complications.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement "I should eat for two during pregnancy" is incorrect. The rationale is that during pregnancy, a woman does not need to eat for two individuals. Instead, she needs to consume additional calories to support the growth and development of the fetus. Eating for two could lead to excessive weight gain and potential complications. The other choices indicate correct understanding and knowledge about maternal weight gain during pregnancy. A suggests the recommended weight gain range, C acknowledges the importance of exercising within doctor's limits, and D highlights the risks of gaining too much weight during pregnancy.
The nurse explains that prior to fertilization each cell is reduced from 46 chromosomes to 23 chromosomes. This is referred to as the __________ number.
- A. haploid
- B. DNA
- C. Chromoses
- D. Plastoderm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prior to fertilization, each cell undergoes meiosis, reducing its chromosome count from 46 to 23. This reduction ensures genetic diversity and proper development of the embryo. The term 'haploid' refers to cells containing only one set of chromosomes.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 24 weeks gestation and has been diagnosed with anemia. What should the nurse teach the patient about managing this condition?
- A. Increase iron-rich foods and take iron supplements as prescribed.
- B. Rest frequently and avoid physical activity to prevent exhaustion.
- C. Limit intake of dairy products to prevent iron deficiency.
- D. Incorporate more vitamin D-rich foods into the diet to help the body absorb iron.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because increasing iron-rich foods and taking iron supplements as prescribed is the standard treatment for managing anemia during pregnancy. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, which is crucial for both the mother and the developing fetus. Resting frequently (choice B) may help with fatigue but does not address the root cause of anemia. Limiting dairy intake (choice C) is not necessary and may lead to other nutritional deficiencies. Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods (choice D) can be beneficial for overall health but does not specifically address the management of anemia.
A pregnant patient who is 28 weeks gestation reports a sudden headache and visual changes. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Encourage the patient to take a warm bath to relieve the headache.
- B. Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
- C. Administer pain medication to relieve the headache.
- D. Instruct the patient to rest in a dark, quiet room to relieve symptoms.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. This is the priority action because sudden headache and visual changes in a pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Checking blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia is crucial for early detection and prompt management to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Encouraging a warm bath, administering pain medication, or instructing the patient to rest may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.