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.
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A nurse is educating a birthing person about the signs and symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage. Which of the following is an early sign of postpartum hemorrhage?
- A. bright red bleeding
- B. increased blood pressure
- C. severe abdominal pain
- D. increased heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: bright red bleeding. This is an early sign of postpartum hemorrhage because it indicates active bleeding from the uterus. Bright red blood suggests fresh bleeding, which is more concerning than darker blood. Increased blood pressure (B) is not typically associated with postpartum hemorrhage. Severe abdominal pain (C) is more indicative of other complications like uterine rupture. Increased heart rate (D) can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, but bright red bleeding is a more specific early indicator.
A pregnant patient is 26 weeks gestation and reports difficulty breathing when lying flat. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Encourage the patient to sleep on the left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on the diaphragm.
- B. Recommend sleeping in a fully reclined position to prevent shortness of breath.
- C. Administer oxygen as prescribed to ensure proper oxygenation.
- D. Instruct the patient to lie flat on her back and use a pillow for support.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to sleep on the left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on the diaphragm. At 26 weeks gestation, the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when lying flat on the back, leading to decreased blood return to the heart and reduced cardiac output, causing difficulty breathing. Sleeping on the left side helps improve circulation by reducing pressure on the vena cava, enhancing blood flow and oxygenation to the fetus and mother.
Incorrect options:
B: Recommending sleeping in a fully reclined position may not alleviate the compression on the vena cava and could potentially worsen the patient's symptoms.
C: Administering oxygen may help with oxygenation but does not address the underlying issue of vena cava compression due to the growing uterus.
D: Instructing the patient to lie flat on her back can exacerbate the issue by further compressing the vena cava, worsening breathing difficulties.
The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about prenatal vitamins. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?
- A. I will take these vitamins every day as prescribed.
- B. I will stop taking these vitamins if I feel nauseous.
- C. I should take prenatal vitamins to help prevent birth defects.
- D. These vitamins will help my baby grow and develop properly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The rationale is that stopping prenatal vitamins if feeling nauseous can deprive the baby of essential nutrients crucial for proper development. Nausea is common during pregnancy, and it's important to continue taking prenatal vitamins to ensure the baby receives necessary nutrients. Choices A, C, and D all demonstrate understanding of the importance of prenatal vitamins in supporting the baby's growth and preventing birth defects.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who is diagnosed with anemia. What is the nurse's priority teaching for this patient?
- A. You should take iron supplements with milk to improve absorption.
- B. You should take iron supplements with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice.
- C. You should avoid taking iron supplements during the second trimester.
- D. You should take iron supplements with calcium-rich foods to increase absorption.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Iron supplements should be taken with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice, to maximize absorption and effectiveness in treating anemia. Iron absorption is hindered by calcium-rich foods and milk, so options A and D are incorrect. Option C is also incorrect as iron supplementation is crucial during pregnancy to prevent and treat anemia.
A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and reports severe heartburn after eating. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
- A. Instruct the patient to take over-the-counter antacids and lie down to relieve symptoms.
- B. Encourage the patient to eat smaller meals and avoid lying down after eating.
- C. Advise the patient to avoid spicy foods and increase protein intake.
- D. Recommend that the patient take proton pump inhibitors for relief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because encouraging the patient to eat smaller meals and avoid lying down after eating helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus, reducing heartburn. This intervention addresses the root cause of the symptoms during pregnancy. Option A is incorrect as antacids can provide temporary relief but do not prevent heartburn. Option C is incorrect as spicy foods and protein intake do not directly impact heartburn. Option D is incorrect as proton pump inhibitors are not typically recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
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