A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is the most important aspect of the patient's care plan?
- A. Maintaining a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
- B. Monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining a balanced diet.
- C. Increasing fluid intake to reduce the risk of dehydration.
- D. Administering insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining a balanced diet. This is crucial for managing gestational diabetes, as it helps control blood sugar levels to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Regular monitoring ensures timely adjustments to treatment. A balanced diet helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides essential nutrients for the baby's growth.
Choice A is important but not as critical as monitoring blood glucose levels, as weight gain should be monitored but is not the primary focus in gestational diabetes. Choice C is not directly related to managing gestational diabetes. Choice D may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the most important aspect of care compared to monitoring blood glucose levels and diet.
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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.
A pregnant woman who is 28 weeks gestation reports that she feels dizzy and faint when she stands up. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
- A. Lie down flat on your back immediately.
- B. Stand up quickly to prevent dizziness from worsening.
- C. Drink a large amount of water to alleviate the dizziness.
- D. Get up slowly and avoid standing for long periods.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, instructing the pregnant woman to get up slowly and avoid standing for long periods. This is because during pregnancy, blood pressure can drop when standing up quickly, leading to dizziness and fainting. Getting up slowly allows the body to adjust gradually, preventing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Standing for long periods can worsen these symptoms, so it is important to avoid prolonged standing.
A: Lying down flat on the back immediately can worsen symptoms in this case by reducing blood flow to the brain.
B: Standing up quickly can exacerbate dizziness and fainting by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
C: Drinking a large amount of water may not address the underlying issue of postural hypotension and could potentially worsen symptoms by increasing blood volume without addressing the drop in blood pressure.
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation who reports feeling lightheaded and faint when standing. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods.
- B. Take deep breaths and rise quickly from a seated position.
- C. Rest and avoid any physical activity during the day.
- D. Sit upright and avoid bending forward at the waist.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase fluid intake and avoid standing for long periods. This recommendation is appropriate for the patient's symptoms of lightheadedness and fainting, which could be due to dehydration or low blood pressure common in pregnancy. Increasing fluid intake can help maintain adequate blood volume and pressure. Avoiding prolonged standing can prevent pooling of blood in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of dizziness.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Taking deep breaths and rising quickly may worsen symptoms by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
C: Complete rest and avoiding physical activity may not address the underlying issue of hydration or blood pressure.
D: Sitting upright and avoiding bending forward may not directly address the need for increased fluid intake and reduced standing time.
A pregnant patient is 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about gestational hypertension. Which of the following is a key sign of gestational hypertension?
- A. Severe headache and visual changes
- B. Sudden swelling of the hands and feet
- C. Excessive weight loss and fatigue
- D. Frequent urination and dehydration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudden swelling of the hands and feet. Gestational hypertension is characterized by sudden onset of high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, leading to fluid retention and swelling. This is known as preeclampsia, a severe form of gestational hypertension. Swelling in the hands and feet is a key sign due to fluid imbalance. Severe headache and visual changes (choice A) are more indicative of preeclampsia complications. Excessive weight loss and fatigue (choice C) are not typical signs of gestational hypertension. Frequent urination and dehydration (choice D) are not directly related to gestational hypertension.
A nurse is caring for a postpartum person who is experiencing a headache. What is the most likely cause of a postpartum headache?
- A. Eclampsia
- B. Spinal headache
- C. Tension headache
- D. Cluster headache
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinal headache. Postpartum spinal headaches are commonly caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid due to accidental dural puncture during epidural anesthesia. This can lead to severe headaches that worsen when sitting or standing. Eclampsia (A) presents with hypertension and seizures, not just headaches. Tension headaches (C) are typically stress-related and not specific to the postpartum period. Cluster headaches (D) are characterized by severe pain around the eye and are not commonly associated with childbirth.