Nokea
A pregnant patient at 24 weeks gestation reports occasional dizziness and lightheadedness. What should the nurse assess first?
- A. The patient's blood pressure and hydration status.
- B. The fetal heart rate and activity.
- C. The patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
- D. The patient's weight gain and diet history.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The patient's blood pressure and hydration status should be assessed first because dizziness and lightheadedness can be indicative of hypotension or dehydration, common issues during pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure will help determine if the symptoms are related to low blood pressure, and assessing hydration status can identify if the patient needs to increase fluid intake.
Summary of other choices:
B: Assessing fetal heart rate and activity is important but not the priority in this situation as the focus should be on the maternal health first.
C: Checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important for detecting anemia, but it is not the initial assessment for dizziness and lightheadedness.
D: Monitoring weight gain and diet history are essential aspects of prenatal care but are not the immediate concerns when a pregnant patient is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is caring for a laboring person who is experiencing strong contractions. What is the most important intervention to support the laboring person during this time?
- A. provide comfort measures
- B. assist with breathing exercises
- C. provide reassurance and comfort
- D. administer antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide comfort measures. Comfort measures such as massage, positioning, and relaxation techniques help the laboring person cope with the pain and intensity of contractions. By providing comfort, the nurse can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a more positive labor experience.
Choice B (assist with breathing exercises) can be helpful, but comfort measures are more essential for overall well-being during labor. Choice C (provide reassurance and comfort) is similar to the correct answer but lacks the specific action of providing comfort measures. Choice D (administer antibiotics) is irrelevant to the management of strong contractions and is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason for antibiotics.
A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports leg cramps and lower back pain. What should the nurse recommend to alleviate these symptoms?
- A. Take a warm bath and perform leg stretches to relieve muscle tension.
- B. Apply a heating pad to the affected areas and rest in bed.
- C. Increase calcium intake and take over-the-counter pain medications.
- D. Encourage the patient to perform light physical activity and avoid long periods of rest.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Leg cramps and lower back pain in pregnancy can be relieved by taking a warm bath and performing leg stretches. Warm water helps relax muscles, while stretching can alleviate muscle tension. This is safe and effective for pregnant patients.
Choice B is incorrect because applying a heating pad may not be recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of overheating. Resting in bed may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause.
Choice C is incorrect because increasing calcium intake and taking over-the-counter pain medications may not specifically target muscle cramps and back pain. It is essential to address the symptoms directly.
Choice D is incorrect because encouraging light physical activity may be beneficial, but avoiding long periods of rest may not be necessary. Stretching and warm baths are more specific interventions for muscle cramps and back pain.
A client makes the following statement after finding out that her pregnancy test is positive, 'This is not a good time. I am in college and the baby will be due during final exams!' Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate at this time?
- A. I’m absolutely positive that everything will turn out all right.
- B. I suggest that you e-mail your professors to set up an alternate plan.
- C. It sounds like you’re feeling a little overwhelmed right now.
- D. You and the baby’s father will find a way to get through the pregnancy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's feelings of being overwhelmed is the most supportive response. Offering solutions or reassurance without first addressing the client's emotions may not be as effective.
A patient who is about to undergo a cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress asks her nurse what kind of anesthesia would be best for her. The nurse explains that which of the following is the preferred method of anesthesia in this nonemergent case?
- A. Spinal block
- B. Epidural block
- C. General anesthesia
- D. Intravenous sedation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal block. Spinal anesthesia provides rapid onset and reliable anesthesia for cesarean section, making it the preferred method in nonemergent cases. It is safe for both the mother and the baby, as it does not cross the placental barrier. Spinal anesthesia also allows for better pain control postoperatively compared to other methods.
Choice B (Epidural block) may be a suitable option, but spinal anesthesia is preferred due to its faster onset and reliability.
Choice C (General anesthesia) is not the preferred method in nonemergent cases as it carries more risks compared to regional anesthesia and may have adverse effects on the baby.
Choice D (Intravenous sedation) is not appropriate for cesarean section as it does not provide adequate anesthesia for the procedure and may not be safe for the baby.
A father experiencing couvade syndrome is likely to exhibit which of the following symptoms/behaviors? Select all that apply.
- A. Heartburn.
- B. Promiscuity.
- C. Hypertension.
- D. Bloating.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Couvade syndrome involves sympathetic pregnancy symptoms in fathers, such as heartburn, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Promiscuity is not typically associated with this condition.