Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Related

Review Maternity Heartbeat Monitor related questions and content

A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports dizziness and faintness when standing. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

  • A. Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids and avoid standing for long periods.
  • B. Instruct the patient to rise quickly from a seated position.
  • C. Encourage the patient to lie flat on her back and rest.
  • D. Advise the patient to take iron supplements to prevent dizziness.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids and avoid standing for long periods. This intervention addresses the symptoms of dizziness and faintness by preventing dehydration and orthostatic hypotension common during pregnancy. Fluid intake maintains blood volume, reducing the risk of hypotension. Avoiding prolonged standing helps prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities. Choices B and C could exacerbate symptoms by causing sudden changes in blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect as iron supplements do not directly address the immediate issue of dizziness and faintness related to dehydration and orthostatic hypotension during pregnancy.