A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports swelling in her legs and feet. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?
- A. Increase fluid intake to reduce swelling.
- B. Lie down flat on your back to relieve swelling.
- C. Elevate the legs while sitting or lying down.
- D. Limit physical activity and avoid walking.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevate the legs while sitting or lying down. This intervention helps reduce swelling by promoting venous return and reducing fluid accumulation in the lower extremities. Elevating the legs helps gravity assist in returning blood back to the heart, reducing edema. Increasing fluid intake (A) may worsen swelling. Lying flat on the back (B) can restrict blood flow and worsen swelling. Limiting physical activity (D) can lead to decreased circulation and exacerbate swelling.
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Which complication could occur as a result of percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)?
- A. Postdates pregnancy
- B. Fetal bradycardia
- C. Placenta previa
- D. Uterine rupture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fetal bradycardia is the most common complication of PUBS due to the invasive nature of the procedure.
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports lower back pain and difficulty sleeping. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?
- A. Rest in bed with your legs elevated to reduce back pain.
- B. Use a firm mattress and avoid sleeping on your back.
- C. Take over-the-counter pain medications as prescribed to alleviate pain.
- D. Perform light stretching exercises before bed to relieve discomfort.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Using a firm mattress and avoiding sleeping on the back is the most appropriate recommendation for a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation experiencing lower back pain. Here's why:
1. Firm mattress provides better support for the back and helps maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep.
2. Avoiding sleeping on the back reduces pressure on the major blood vessels, preventing potential complications like supine hypotensive syndrome.
3. Resting in bed with legs elevated (choice A) may not address the root cause of back pain and may not be recommended for extended periods during pregnancy.
4. Taking over-the-counter pain medications (choice C) should be avoided unless prescribed by a healthcare provider due to potential risks to the fetus.
5. Performing light stretching exercises (choice D) can be beneficial, but avoiding certain positions like lying on the back is more crucial for back pain relief during pregnancy.
The nurse has taken a health history on four primigravid clients at their first prenatal visits. It is high priority that which of the clients receives nutrition counseling?
- A. The woman diagnosed with phenylketonuria.
- B. The woman who has Graves’ disease.
- C. The woman with Cushing’s syndrome.
- D. The woman diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenylketonuria (PKU) requires strict dietary management, especially during pregnancy, to prevent harm to the fetus. The other conditions do not have the same immediate dietary implications.
Which of the following is true about the use of a birthing ball during labor?
- A. It is contraindicated for patients with high blood pressure
- B. It promotes pelvic mobility and can help reduce pain
- C. It should only be used during the second stage of labor
- D. It is only effective in early labor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a birthing ball promotes pelvic mobility, which can help reduce pain during labor by encouraging movement and optimal positioning of the baby. It is not contraindicated for patients with high blood pressure unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. It can be used throughout labor, not just during the second stage, and is effective at various stages, not just in early labor.
The nurse is reviewing fetal circulation with a pregnant patient and explains that blood circulates through the placenta to the fetus. What vessel(s) carry blood to the fetus?
- A. One umbilical vein
- B. Two umbilical veins
- C. One umbilical artery
- D. Two umbilical arteries
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The umbilical vein transports richly oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus.