Nokea
A pregnant patient is at 32 weeks gestation and reports that she feels short of breath when lying flat. What should the nurse's priority action be?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to sit up and rest in a more upright position. This is the priority action because it helps relieve pressure on the diaphragm and allows for better lung expansion, improving oxygenation for the pregnant patient experiencing shortness of breath. Sitting upright also reduces the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome by improving blood flow to the placenta.
Assessing respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (Choice A) may be important but should come after the patient is in a more comfortable position. Deep breathing exercises (Choice C) may not address the immediate relief needed for the patient. Instructing the patient to take shallow breaths (Choice D) may worsen the situation by limiting oxygen intake and exacerbating respiratory distress.