Nokea
A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports pain in the lower abdomen and back. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to rest and monitor for changes in symptoms. At 26 weeks gestation, lower abdominal and back pain could indicate preterm labor. The first step is to have the patient rest to reduce uterine activity. Monitoring for changes in symptoms is crucial to assess if the pain is worsening and if there are any signs of preterm labor. Performing a pelvic exam (B) could potentially stimulate contractions and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Administering pain medication (C) does not address the underlying cause and could mask symptoms. Assessing blood pressure for signs of preeclampsia (D) is important but not the first priority in this scenario.