A pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation reports feeling short of breath when lying flat. What is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?
- A. Encourage the patient to lie on her left side to improve circulation.
- B. Administer oxygen as prescribed to alleviate breathing difficulties.
- C. Instruct the patient to rest in an upright position to reduce pressure on the diaphragm.
- D. Advise the patient to take deep breaths and monitor symptoms.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because instructing the patient to rest in an upright position helps reduce pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better lung expansion and improved breathing capacity. This position can alleviate the shortness of breath experienced when lying flat due to the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm. Option A is incorrect because lying on the left side may not alleviate the pressure on the diaphragm as effectively as an upright position. Option B may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Option D focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the positional discomfort caused by the pregnancy.
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The nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of prenatal vitamins. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
- A. I will take prenatal vitamins only during the first trimester.
- B. I will take prenatal vitamins throughout the pregnancy to support my baby's growth.
- C. Prenatal vitamins are only necessary if I have a history of birth defects in my family.
- D. I should stop taking prenatal vitamins after the baby is born.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will take prenatal vitamins throughout the pregnancy to support my baby's growth." This statement indicates effective teaching because prenatal vitamins are essential for the entire duration of pregnancy to support the developing baby's growth and development. Prenatal vitamins contain key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium that are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins only during the first trimester (option A) may not provide adequate support for the baby's growth during the entire pregnancy. Option C is incorrect because prenatal vitamins are recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of their family history of birth defects. Option D is incorrect because stopping prenatal vitamins after the baby is born does not align with the need to support the mother's postpartum health and potential breastfeeding needs.
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage ambulation
- B. Apply compression stockings
- C. Administer low-molecular-weight heparin
- D. Monitor for signs of edema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply compression stockings. This intervention is appropriate for a postpartum person at risk for DVT as it helps promote circulation and prevent blood clots by applying pressure to the legs. Compression stockings are a safe and non-invasive method to reduce the risk of DVT. Encouraging ambulation (choice A) is important but may not be feasible immediately postpartum. Administering low-molecular-weight heparin (choice C) would require a prescription and may not be the first-line intervention. Monitoring for signs of edema (choice D) is important but does not directly address the prevention of DVT like compression stockings do.
Which finding would the nurse view as normal when evaluating the laboratory reports of a 34-week gestation client?
- A. Anemia.
- B. Thrombocytopenia.
- C. Polycythemia.
- D. Hyperbilirubinemia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anemia is relatively common in pregnancy due to increased blood volume and iron demands. Polycythemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperbilirubinemia are not typical findings.
A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports back pain. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Perform light stretching exercises and maintain good posture.
- B. Lie flat on your back to alleviate discomfort.
- C. Take over-the-counter pain medications as needed.
- D. Instruct the patient to rest in bed for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because performing light stretching exercises and maintaining good posture can help alleviate back pain in pregnancy. Stretching helps to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility, while good posture reduces strain on the back.
Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on the back can decrease blood flow to the uterus and may lead to dizziness and decreased oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice C is incorrect because not all over-the-counter pain medications are safe during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Choice D is incorrect because prolonged bed rest can actually worsen back pain and may lead to other complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Staying active within limits is recommended during pregnancy.
A pregnant woman is scheduled to undergo chorionic villus sampling (CVS) based on genetic family history. Which medication does the nurse anticipate will be administered?
- A. Magnesium sulfate
- B. Prostaglandin suppository
- C. RhoGAM if the patient is Rh-negative
- D. Betamethasone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rh-negative women undergoing CVS require RhoGAM to prevent Rh sensitization.