A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation reports occasional dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse's most appropriate recommendation?
- A. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake and stand up slowly.
- B. Instruct the patient to lie down immediately and rest to prevent fainting.
- C. Advise the patient to avoid physical activity and rest as much as possible.
- D. Instruct the patient to take deep breaths and rise quickly to avoid dizziness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake and stand up slowly. This recommendation is appropriate because occasional dizziness when standing up can be due to postural hypotension common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake helps maintain blood volume, and standing up slowly prevents sudden drops in blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect as lying down immediately may not address the underlying issue. Choice C is incorrect as complete rest may not be necessary. Choice D is incorrect as rising quickly can worsen dizziness.
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A pregnant woman who is 36 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling in her hands and feet, along with a headache. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Instruct the patient to rest and elevate her feet.
- B. Assess the patient's blood pressure and urine for protein.
- C. Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids.
- D. Recommend that the patient lie on her left side to improve circulation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assessing the patient's blood pressure and urine for protein is the priority because sudden swelling in hands and feet, along with a headache, could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. High blood pressure and protein in the urine are key indicators of preeclampsia. This assessment will help determine if the patient needs immediate medical intervention.
Choice A is incorrect because simply resting and elevating the feet may not address the underlying issue of preeclampsia. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging the patient to drink fluids will not address the potential serious condition. Choice D is incorrect because while lying on the left side can improve circulation, it does not address the urgent need to assess for preeclampsia.
The midwife has just palpated the fundal height at the location noted on the picture below. It is likely that the client is how many weeks pregnant?
- A. 12
- B. 20
- C. 28
- D. 36
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At 20 weeks, the fundal height is typically at the level of the umbilicus, which is consistent with the description provided.
Which of the following skin changes should the nurse highlight for a pregnant woman’s health care practitioner?
- A. Linea nigra.
- B. Melasma.
- C. Petechiae.
- D. Spider nevi.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Petechiae (small hemorrhages under the skin) could indicate underlying medical conditions such as thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy, warranting further investigation. Linea nigra and melasma are common benign changes, while spider nevi are usually harmless but less urgent.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 20 weeks gestation and reports experiencing leg cramps. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
- A. Recommend taking calcium supplements to relieve leg cramps.
- B. Encourage the patient to elevate the legs and perform leg stretches.
- C. Instruct the patient to rest and avoid any physical activity.
- D. Administer pain medication as needed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because elevating the legs and performing leg stretches can help improve circulation and relieve leg cramps during pregnancy. This intervention promotes blood flow and prevents muscle fatigue. Calcium supplements (choice A) may be helpful for preventing leg cramps in some cases but are not the first-line intervention. Instructing the patient to rest (choice C) may worsen leg cramps due to decreased circulation. Administering pain medication (choice D) should be avoided unless necessary, as it does not address the root cause of the leg cramps.
The nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the symptoms of preterm labor. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse advise the patient to report immediately?
- A. Occasional low back pain and cramping
- B. Increased vaginal discharge
- C. Painful, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less
- D. Feeling of pelvic pressure after physical activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Painful, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less can indicate preterm labor.
2. Regular contractions are a sign of the uterus preparing for birth.
3. Painful contractions at regular intervals can progress quickly to preterm delivery.
4. Reporting this symptom immediately allows for timely intervention to prevent premature birth.
Summary:
A: Low back pain and cramping are common in pregnancy but not necessarily indicative of preterm labor.
B: Increased vaginal discharge may be normal in pregnancy and not a direct sign of preterm labor.
C: Painful, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less are a critical sign of preterm labor.
D: Feeling pelvic pressure after physical activity is common in late pregnancy and not specific to preterm labor.