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A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and reports leg cramps. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Instruct the patient to stretch the legs and elevate them to alleviate the cramps.
- B. Recommend that the patient increase calcium intake through dietary changes.
- C. Administer prescribed pain medication to relieve discomfort.
- D. Encourage the patient to walk for 30 minutes each day to prevent cramps.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on leg muscles. Stretching and elevating legs can help alleviate cramps by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. Increasing calcium intake (B) may help prevent cramps but is not the immediate action needed. Administering pain medication (C) should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Walking (D) is beneficial for overall health during pregnancy but may not directly address the immediate leg cramps.
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What advice should the nurse give regarding herbal supplements during pregnancy?
- A. Herbals are safe because they're natural
- B. Licorice and cat’s claw are safe
- C. The FDA has approved herbals for pregnancy
- D. Discuss everything with a healthcare provider
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Herbal supplements may pose risks during pregnancy, and their safety is not well-established. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential.
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.
Which hormone is responsible for converting the endometrium into decidual cells for implantation?
- A. Estrogen
- B. Human chorionic gonadotropin
- C. Human placental lactogen
- D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: At high levels, progesterone maintains the endometrial lining for implantation of the zygote.
The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about the possibility of gestational diabetes. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse educate the patient to report?
- A. Increased thirst and frequent urination
- B. Sudden weight loss and increased energy
- C. Extreme fatigue and headaches
- D. Decreased fetal movement and nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased thirst and frequent urination. This is because these symptoms are indicative of hyperglycemia, which is common in gestational diabetes. Increased thirst occurs due to the body trying to flush out excess sugar through urine, leading to frequent urination. This should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Other choices are incorrect:
B: Sudden weight loss and increased energy are not typical symptoms of gestational diabetes. Weight loss can occur in uncontrolled diabetes, but it is not a common symptom in gestational diabetes.
C: Extreme fatigue and headaches can be non-specific symptoms and are not necessarily related to gestational diabetes.
D: Decreased fetal movement and nausea are more commonly associated with other complications in pregnancy, such as placental insufficiency or preeclampsia, rather than gestational diabetes.
What is the primary goal of fetal heart rate monitoring during the second stage of labor?
- A. to predict when to bear down during contractions
- B. to determine the strength of the uterine contractions
- C. to evaluate fetal well-being
- D. to monitor vital signs of the birthing person
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of fetal heart rate monitoring during the second stage of labor is to evaluate fetal well-being. This is crucial to ensure that the baby is tolerating labor and delivery well. Monitoring fetal heart rate helps identify any signs of distress or compromise in oxygen supply to the baby. It guides healthcare providers in making timely interventions if needed to prevent adverse outcomes. Choices A and B are incorrect because the primary goal is not about timing contractions or assessing uterine contractions strength. Choice D is incorrect as the focus is not on monitoring the vital signs of the birthing person but on assessing the well-being of the fetus.