When one participant asks the nurse what can be done to relieve leg cramps while working, which instruction by the nurse is correct?
- A. Increase protein intake to five to six servings per day.
- B. Wear elastic stockings when at work.
- C. Point the toes frequently toward the head.
- D. Massage the leg when a cramp occurs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pointing toes toward the head (dorsiflexion) relieves leg cramps by stretching the calf muscles, unlike the other options.
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The nurse is teaching the postpartum client, who is breastfeeding, about returning to sexual activity after vaginal delivery. Which statement should the nurse include?
- A. “Orgasm may decrease the amount of breast milk you produce.”
- B. “You may need to use lubrication when resuming sexual intercourse.”
- C. “You should not have sexual intercourse until two months postpartum.”
- D. “Your HCP will let you know when you can resume sexual activity.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxytocin is released when the client has an orgasm and may cause breast milk to leak or squirt from the breasts. The production of breast milk may increase, not decrease. The nurse should inform the client that she may need lubrication with sexual intercourse because the low estrogen levels in the early postpartum period causes vaginal dryness. Women should refrain from sexual intercourse until lochia has ceased, which usually takes about 3 weeks. There is no need to wait two months if the lochia has ceased. The client’s HCP does not need to give approval to return to sexual activity.
The laboring client tells the nurse that she wants to avoid an episiotomy if possible. Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. “Usually making an episiotomy incision is avoided whenever possible.”
- B. “Having an episiotomy reduces prolonged pushing and perineal trauma.”
- C. “An episiotomy is routine because it can prevent pelvic floor damage.”
- D. “Tell me more about your concerns about having an episiotomy.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This statement is best. An episiotomy may be used in some circumstances but is usually avoided if possible. Use of episiotomy increases (not reduces) perineal trauma and increases healing time. Use of episiotomy is not routine, does not decrease pelvic floor damage, and may increase the severity of the trauma. Having the client tell the nurse more about her concerns regarding episiotomy is unnecessary and avoids responding to the client’s comment.
The laboring client just had a convulsion after being given regional anesthesia. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Establish an airway.
- B. Position on her right side.
- C. Provide 100% oxygen.
- D. Administer diazepam.
- E. Page the anesthesiologist STAT.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: The client experiencing a convulsion related to anesthesia should first have an airway established. The client experiencing a convulsion related to anesthesia should receive 100% oxygen so that the mother and fetus remain oxygenated. Small doses of diazepam or thiopental can be administered to stop the convulsions. The anesthesiologist should be STAT paged to provide assistance; the convulsion was initiated by the regional anesthetic. The client’s head should be turned to the side if vomiting occurs, but the client typically remains in a left lateral tilt position so an airway can be maintained. Positioning on the right side can cause aortocaval compression.
The student nurse reports to an experienced nurse finding a warm, red, tender area on the left calf of the client who is 48 hours post—vaginal delivery. The nurse assesses the client and explains to the student that postpartum clients are at increased risk for thrombophlebitis due to which factors? Select all that apply.
- A. The fibrinogen levels in the blood of postpartum clients are elevated.
- B. Fluids normally shift from the interstitial to the intravascular space.
- C. Postpartum hormonal shifts irritate vascular basement membranes.
- D. Pressure is placed on the legs when elevated in stirrups during delivery.
- E. Dilation of veins in the lower extremities occurs during pregnancy.
- F. Compression of the common iliac vein occurs during pregnancy.
Correct Answer: A,D,E,F
Rationale: During pregnancy, fibrinogen levels increase, and this increase continues to be present in the postpartum period. The increased levels can contribute to clot formation. There is not a shift of fluid from the interstitial to the vascular spaces in the postpartum period. Actual blood volume increases during pregnancy and is further increased immediately after delivery. This fluid volume is eventually lost through diuresis during the first postpartum week. Postpartum hormonal changes do occur, but they do not affect the vascular basement membranes. Elevation of the legs in stirrups during delivery leads to pooling of blood and vascular stasis. Dilation of the veins in the lower extremities occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of venous stasis. Compression of the common iliac vein occurs during pregnancy due to an enlarging fetus and increases the risk of venous stasis.
The nurse identifies which factor as contributing to the client's stress?
- A. Stable employment
- B. Supportive partner
- C. Financial concerns
- D. Regular prenatal visits
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Financial concerns are a common stressor during pregnancy, impacting the client's psychosocial well-being.