Nokea
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was just admitted to the labor and birth unit in active labor at term. The patient informed the nurse, “I have not received any prenatal care because I cannot afford to go to the doctor. And, this is my third baby, so I know what to expect.” What is the nurse’s primary concern when developing the patient’s plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's primary concern when developing the plan of care for a patient who has not received prenatal care and is now in active labor is the risk of low birth weight for the baby. Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, ensuring appropriate growth and development, and identifying any potential issues early on. Without prenatal care, important factors such as maternal nutritional status, appropriate weight gain, screening for conditions that can affect the baby's growth, and management of any complications during pregnancy may not have been addressed. As a result, the baby is at increased risk for being born with a low birth weight, which can lead to various health problems and complications both immediately after birth and in the long term. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring and addressing the risk of low birth weight in this situation.