The nurse is providing nutrition counseling to the client during her first prenatal clinical visit. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates that the client has an understanding of some of the nutritional requirements during pregnancy?
- A. “I can eat cheese as an alternative to milk, as I don’t care for milk.”
- B. “I should be eating more at each meal because I’m eating for two.”
- C. “I will need to limit my calories because I am already overweight.”
- D. “I should limit myself to eating only three healthy meals per day.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cheese is a milk product and is an alternative to milk. This statement indicates understanding of nutritional requirements regarding milk and milk products. Caloric intake needs to increase by 300 kcal per day during pregnancy to meet increased metabolic needs. However, “I’m eating for two” is a common misconception and leads to caloric intake greater than necessary. Caloric intake needs to increase by 300 kcal per day and should not be limited during pregnancy. Nutritional snacks throughout the day can provide for steady blood glucose levels and decrease the nausea associated with pregnancy. A limit of only three meals per day may not provide the client with enough calories to meet increased metabolic needs or may cause the client to eat more at each meal and increase nausea and bloating.
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The nurse is counseling the client who is trying to become pregnant. To promote fetal health when the client is unaware of a pregnancy, the nurse should stress the inclusion of which nutrient in daily food intake?
- A. Potassium
- B. Calcium
- C. Folic acid
- D. Sodium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should educate the client about the need for adequate folic acid intake. Folic acid is important in preventing neural tube defects, especially during the first four weeks of fetal development. Potassium is important in preventing leg cramps during pregnancy, but this is usually not an issue during the first four weeks of gestation. Calcium is important for fetal development of bones, teeth, heart, nerves, and muscles, but the fetus will take calcium from the mother. Calcium is more important to maternal health than fetal development. Sodium is important for maintaining optimal electrolyte balance but is typically ingested in more than adequate amounts in a typical diet.
The client in labor received an epidural anesthesia 20 minutes ago. The nurse assesses that the client’s BP is 98/62 mm Hg and that the client is lying supine. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Increase the lactated Ringer’s infusion rate.
- B. Elevate the client’s legs for 2 to 3 minutes.
- C. Place the bed in 10- to 20-degree Trendelenburg.
- D. Position the client in a left side-lying position.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The first action is to place the client in a left side-lying position. This displaces the uterus and alleviates aortocaval compression. Increasing the infusion rate may be implemented if repositioning the client does not correct the hypotension. Elevating the client’s legs for 2 to 3 minutes is done with severe or prolonged hypertension to increase blood return from the extremities. It may be implemented after repositioning to left side, increasing the IV rate, and placing in Trendelenburg position. Placing in 10- to 20-degree Trendelenburg position is usually implemented if the BP does not increase within 1 to 2 minutes after repositioning to left side and increasing the IV flow rate.
Which activity promotes postpartum healing?
- A. Resting and limiting strenuous activity
- B. Lifting heavy objects
- C. Skipping follow-up visits
- D. Eating a low-protein diet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Resting and limiting strenuous activity support physical recovery and healing after childbirth.
Interventions have been prescribed by the HCP for the client with decreased fetal movement at 35 weeks’ gestation. Place the prescribed interventions in the sequence that they should be performed by the nurse.
- A. Prepare for a nonstress test
- B. Prepare for a biophysical profile
- C. Palpate for fetal movement
- D. Apply and explain the external fetal monitor
Correct Answer: C,D,A,B
Rationale: Palpate for fetal movement should be performed first. Assessment should be first to verify fetal movement. Apply and explain the external fetal monitor should be next. The fetus should be monitored for heart rate changes. Prepare for an NST. The NST is performed to determine fetal well-being. Prepare for a biophysical profile (BPP). The BPP is an assessment of five fetal biophysical variables: FHR acceleration, fetal breathing, fetal movements, fetal tone, and amniotic fluid volume. The first criterion is assessed with the NST. The other variables are assessed by ultrasound scanning.
The client, who delivered a 4200-g baby 4 hours ago, continues to have bright red, heavy vaginal bleeding. The nurse assesses the client’s fundus and finds it to be firm and midway between the symphysis pubis and umbilicus. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Continue to monitor the client’s bleeding and weigh the peripads.
- B. Call the client’s HCP and request an additional visual examination.
- C. Prepare to give oxytocin to stimulate uterine muscle contraction.
- D. Document the findings as normal with no interventions needed at that time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although the nurse would definitely need to continue to monitor the amount and quality of bleeding, additional intervention is also needed. The nurse should consider the possibility of a vaginal wall or cervical laceration, which could produce heavy, bright red bleeding. The HCP should be notified and asked to perform a visual exam of the vagina to assess for possible lacerations in need of repair. Preparing to administer oxytocin (Pitocin) would be appropriate if the source of bleeding was suspected to be uterine atony, but the uterus is firm and in the expected location. Documenting the findings without further intervention would lead to a failure to identify the source of increased bleeding resulting in possible client injury. Further assessments and interventions are needed.