Maternal Monitoring Related

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A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness when standing. What is the nurse's first priority action?

  • A. Encourage the patient to drink fluids and rest for 10 minutes.
  • B. Instruct the patient to lie flat on her back to restore circulation.
  • C. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of anemia.
  • D. Administer oxygen and prepare for immediate delivery.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to drink fluids and rest for 10 minutes. This is the first priority action because dizziness and lightheadedness in a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation could be due to orthostatic hypotension, a common issue in pregnancy. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids and rest will help increase blood volume and alleviate symptoms.

Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on her back can worsen symptoms due to supine hypotensive syndrome. Choice C is not the first priority as checking for anemia or monitoring blood pressure should come after addressing immediate symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because immediate delivery is not warranted based on the symptoms described.