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A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation is concerned about swelling in her hands, feet, and face. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
- B. Encourage the patient to rest with her legs elevated.
- C. Administer diuretics to reduce swelling.
- D. Instruct the patient to reduce sodium intake and drink more fluids.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. At 34 weeks gestation, swelling in the hands, feet, and face can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial to identify any preeclampsia development. Preeclampsia can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby if left untreated. Other choices are incorrect because B may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying concern, C should not be done without confirming the diagnosis, and D focuses on fluid intake and sodium intake but does not address the need to assess for preeclampsia.
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A 32-week pregnant woman is admitted to the hospital in preterm labor. What is the most appropriate intervention to delay delivery?
- A. Administer corticosteroids to promote fetal lung development
- B. Provide an epidural for pain management
- C. Give magnesium sulfate to inhibit uterine contractions
- D. Begin oxytocin infusion to speed up labor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Give magnesium sulfate to inhibit uterine contractions. Magnesium sulfate is used to delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterine muscles, thus decreasing contractions. This intervention helps to delay delivery and give time for other interventions to be implemented, such as administering corticosteroids to promote fetal lung development. Providing an epidural for pain management (B) does not address the issue of preterm labor. Beginning oxytocin infusion (D) would speed up labor, which is not appropriate in this scenario. Administering corticosteroids (A) is a beneficial intervention but should be done after delaying delivery with magnesium sulfate.
A pregnant woman in her second trimester asks the nurse about taking herbal supplements to alleviate nausea. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?
- A. It is safe to take any herbal supplement during pregnancy.
- B. Some herbal supplements may cause harm to your pregnancy, and it's best to consult your doctor.
- C. Only certain over-the-counter medications are safe, not herbal supplements.
- D. Herbal supplements are more effective than prescription medications for nausea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because herbal supplements can vary in safety during pregnancy. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as some herbs may potentially harm the pregnancy or interact with other medications. Answer A is incorrect as not all herbal supplements are safe during pregnancy. Answer C is incorrect as some herbal supplements may be safe if recommended by a healthcare provider. Answer D is incorrect as prescription medications are often more rigorously tested and regulated for safety during pregnancy compared to herbal supplements.
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 26 weeks gestation and reports feeling dizzy when standing. What should the nurse recommend to the patient?
- A. Stand up slowly and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- B. Sit down immediately and rest for 10 minutes.
- C. Lie flat on your back to increase blood flow to the brain.
- D. Take deep breaths and elevate your legs while sitting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stand up slowly and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. When a pregnant patient feels dizzy when standing, it is likely due to postural hypotension. Standing up slowly helps prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness. Drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain adequate blood volume and prevents dehydration, another common cause of dizziness during pregnancy. Sitting down immediately (B) may help temporarily but does not address the underlying issue. Lying flat on the back (C) can worsen symptoms by putting pressure on the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the brain. Taking deep breaths and elevating legs (D) may not be effective in addressing postural hypotension.
A nurse is educating a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation about safe physical activity. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Perform strenuous exercise to strengthen muscles and improve endurance.
- B. Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, to maintain health.
- C. Avoid all physical activity during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications.
- D. Engage in high-impact exercises to strengthen bones and joints.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in moderate exercise like walking or swimming is recommended for pregnant patients at 32 weeks gestation. This type of activity helps maintain health without putting excessive strain on the body. Strenuous exercises (Choice A) may increase the risk of injury or complications during pregnancy. Avoiding all physical activity (Choice C) can lead to decreased muscle tone and potential complications. High-impact exercises (Choice D) can be too harsh on the joints and bones during pregnancy. Therefore, moderate exercise is the safest and most beneficial option for pregnant patients at this stage.
During open glottis pushing, what is the laboring person instructed to do?
- A. hold their breath and push for 10 seconds during each contraction
- B. push spontaneously while exhaling during contractions
- C. exhale slowly during contractions without pushing
- D. perform deep breathing exercises between contractions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During open glottis pushing, the correct instruction is for the laboring person to push spontaneously while exhaling during contractions (Choice B). This technique helps prevent breath-holding, which can increase intra-abdominal pressure and reduce blood flow to the heart and baby. Exhaling while pushing allows for better oxygenation and reduces the risk of Valsalva maneuver-related complications. Holding their breath (Choice A) can increase the risk of fetal distress. Exhaling slowly without pushing (Choice C) is not effective in assisting with the pushing stage of labor. Deep breathing exercises between contractions (Choice D) are beneficial for relaxation but not the main focus during pushing.