A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports lightheadedness and fainting when standing up. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
- A. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- B. Increased blood volume and decreased blood pressure
- C. Iron-deficiency anemia
- D. Hyperglycemia from gestational diabetes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased blood volume and decreased blood pressure. At 28 weeks gestation, the pregnant patient's blood volume significantly increases to support the developing fetus, causing a relative decrease in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension). This can lead to lightheadedness and fainting. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (choice A) can contribute to these symptoms but are less likely in a pregnant patient. Iron-deficiency anemia (choice C) can cause similar symptoms but is less common at 28 weeks gestation. Hyperglycemia from gestational diabetes (choice D) typically presents with other symptoms like excessive thirst and urination, rather than lightheadedness and fainting.
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A patient in labor is requesting pain relief. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient in the latent phase of labor?
- A. Administer an epidural block
- B. Provide non-pharmacological pain relief methods
- C. Administer narcotic analgesics
- D. Encourage the patient to push with each contraction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide non-pharmacological pain relief methods. In the latent phase of labor, the cervix is dilated up to 6 cm and the contractions are typically mild to moderate. Non-pharmacological methods like massage, breathing techniques, warm showers, and position changes are most appropriate as they help the patient relax and cope with the pain without interfering with the progress of labor. Administering an epidural block (A) is not recommended in the latent phase as it can slow down labor. Administering narcotic analgesics (C) can affect the baby and may not provide adequate pain relief. Encouraging the patient to push (D) is not appropriate in the latent phase as it can lead to exhaustion and may not be effective until the cervix is fully dilated.
The nurse is caring for a woman who is pregnant and reports that she has used tobacco throughout her pregnancy. What is the most likely risk to her baby?
- A. Neonatal death
- B. Fetal alcohol syndrome
- C. Low birth weight
- D. Cerebral palsy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low birth weight. Tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes, including low birth weight. Nicotine in tobacco can constrict blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby, leading to poor growth and low birth weight. Neonatal death (A) is a severe outcome but not the most likely risk associated with tobacco use during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (B) is caused by alcohol consumption, not tobacco use. Cerebral palsy (D) is a neurological condition not directly linked to tobacco use during pregnancy.
A nurse is assessing a 26-week pregnant patient who is concerned about stretch marks. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest?
- A. Use over-the-counter creams and lotions to prevent stretch marks.
- B. There are no effective interventions to prevent stretch marks, but moisturizing the skin can help reduce discomfort.
- C. Take vitamin supplements to improve skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks.
- D. Stretch marks can be completely prevented by staying hydrated and exercising regularly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because stretch marks are primarily influenced by genetics and skin elasticity. Moisturizing the skin can help reduce discomfort associated with stretch marks but cannot prevent them entirely. A is incorrect because over-the-counter creams are not proven to prevent stretch marks. C is incorrect because while some vitamins may promote skin health, they cannot completely prevent stretch marks. D is incorrect because while staying hydrated and exercising are important for overall health, they cannot guarantee the prevention of stretch marks.
Which statements about amniotic fluid are correct? Select all that apply.
- A. Provides fetal nutrition
- B. Cushions the fetus from injury
- C. Enables the fetus to grow
- D. Enables the fetus to practice swallowing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus, enables growth, maintains a stable thermal environment, and allows the fetus to practice swallowing.
A nurse is assessing a postpartum person for signs of postpartum hemorrhage. What is the most common early sign of postpartum hemorrhage?
- A. excessive bleeding
- B. low blood pressure
- C. pale skin
- D. dark red bleeding
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: pale skin. This is because the most common early sign of postpartum hemorrhage is hypovolemia, which leads to decreased perfusion and oxygenation of tissues. Pale skin indicates decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery, a key indicator of hypovolemia. Excessive bleeding (choice A) is a symptom, not a sign. Low blood pressure (choice B) is a late sign of postpartum hemorrhage. Dark red bleeding (choice D) may indicate the presence of clots but is not specific to early postpartum hemorrhage.