Maternal Monitoring During Labor Related

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The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 35 weeks gestation and reports sharp abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement. What is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Encourage the patient to drink water and rest in a comfortable position.
  • B. Call the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for further assessment.
  • C. Monitor the fetal heart rate and perform a nonstress test.
  • D. Ask the patient to lie on her left side and wait for symptoms to resolve.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Call the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for further assessment. This is the priority action because sharp abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement at 35 weeks gestation could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or fetal distress. Calling the healthcare provider promptly allows for timely intervention and assessment to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Encouraging the patient to drink water and rest (choice A) may not address the underlying issue. Monitoring fetal heart rate and performing a nonstress test (choice C) may be important but not as immediate as contacting the healthcare provider. Asking the patient to lie on her left side and wait for symptoms to resolve (choice D) delays necessary medical evaluation and intervention.