A pregnant patient is 32 weeks gestation and reports having trouble sleeping. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?
- A. Take a warm bath and avoid using any pillows.
- B. Sleep on your back to relieve pressure on the uterus.
- C. Sleep with several pillows to elevate the upper body.
- D. Take sedatives to ensure a good night's sleep.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sleep with several pillows to elevate the upper body. Elevating the upper body with pillows can help relieve discomfort from heartburn, shortness of breath, and back pain commonly experienced during pregnancy. This position promotes better circulation and reduces pressure on the uterus.
Incorrect choices:
A: Taking a warm bath may help relax but does not address the underlying sleep issues.
B: Sleeping on the back can compress major blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus.
D: Taking sedatives is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
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A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports leg cramps and lower back pain. What should the nurse recommend to alleviate these symptoms?
- A. Take a warm bath and perform leg stretches to relieve muscle tension.
- B. Apply a heating pad to the affected areas and rest in bed.
- C. Increase calcium intake and take over-the-counter pain medications.
- D. Encourage the patient to perform light physical activity and avoid long periods of rest.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Leg cramps and lower back pain in pregnancy can be relieved by taking a warm bath and performing leg stretches. Warm water helps relax muscles, while stretching can alleviate muscle tension. This is safe and effective for pregnant patients.
Choice B is incorrect because applying a heating pad may not be recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of overheating. Resting in bed may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause.
Choice C is incorrect because increasing calcium intake and taking over-the-counter pain medications may not specifically target muscle cramps and back pain. It is essential to address the symptoms directly.
Choice D is incorrect because encouraging light physical activity may be beneficial, but avoiding long periods of rest may not be necessary. Stretching and warm baths are more specific interventions for muscle cramps and back pain.
The nurse plans to provide anticipatory guidance to a 10-week gravid client who is being seen in the prenatal clinic. Which of the following information should be a priority for the nurse to provide?
- A. Pain management during labor.
- B. Methods to relieve backaches.
- C. Breastfeeding positions.
- D. Characteristics of the newborn.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Backaches are a common complaint during pregnancy, and providing guidance on how to relieve them is a priority at this stage. Pain management during labor, breastfeeding positions, and newborn characteristics are typically addressed later in pregnancy.
A pregnant woman states, “My husband hopes I will give him a boy because we have three girls.” What will the nurse explain to this woman?
- A. The sex chromosome of the fertilized ovum determines the gender of the child.
- B. When the sperm and ovum are united, there is a 75% chance the child will be a girl.
- C. When the pH of the female reproductive tract is acidic, the child will be a girl.
- D. If a sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes an ovum, then a boy is produced.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a Y-bearing sperm fertilizes an ovum, a male child is produced.
The nurse plans to provide anticipatory guidance to a 10-week gravid client who is being seen in the prenatal clinic. Which of the following information should be a priority for the nurse to provide?
- A. Pain management during labor.
- B. Methods to relieve backaches.
- C. Breastfeeding positions.
- D. Characteristics of the newborn.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Backaches are a common complaint during pregnancy, and providing guidance on how to relieve them is a priority at this stage. Pain management during labor, breastfeeding positions, and newborn characteristics are typically addressed later in pregnancy.
A patient with gestational hypertension is being monitored during labor. What is the most important factor to assess?
- A. Fetal heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Uterine contractions
- D. Fetal malpresentation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. In a patient with gestational hypertension, monitoring blood pressure is crucial to assess for worsening hypertension, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia. Elevated blood pressure can affect both maternal and fetal well-being. Assessing fetal heart rate (A) is important but not the most critical factor in this scenario. Uterine contractions (C) are important but secondary to monitoring blood pressure. Fetal malpresentation (D) can impact delivery but is not the most vital factor to assess in a patient with gestational hypertension.