Question 1

The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient. The patient's husband has come to the prenatal visit. Which question is best for the nurse to use to assess the adaptation to pregnancy by the father-to-be?

Accepted Answer

Asking how the father-to-be is feeling about becoming a father is the best question to assess his adaptation to the pregnancy. This question allows the nurse to explore the father-to-be's emotions and concerns related to the pregnancy, his role as a father, and his expectations. The other options do not address the father-to-be's adaptation to the pregnancy specifically.

Question 2

A pregnant patient who swims 3-5 times per week asks the nurse if she should stop this activity. What is the appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should encourage the patient to continue her exercise program because it is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and relieve pregnancy-related discomfort. As long as the patient is not experiencing any complications or medical conditions that require her to restrict physical activity, she can continue to swim 3-5 times per week.

Question 3

The nurse is explaining the importance of fetal activity assessment to the patient. What should the nurse do to best reinforce the significance of fetal kick counting to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing the patient's written record of fetal movement at each visit will reinforce the significance of fetal kick counting by providing concrete evidence of changes in fetal activity and allowing for discussion and intervention if necessary. Daily phone calls may not be feasible or necessary, and asking the patient to remember to count may not be sufficient for reinforcing the importance of fetal activity assessment. The fourth choice is incomplete.

Question 4

A patient who is at 10 weeks' gestation tells her nurse, "I'm making too much saliva, and I spit on people every time I talk! What's wrong with me?" How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Excessive salivation, also known as ptyalism, is a common symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes. It is not usually a sign of a complication in pregnancy, so scheduling a doctor's appointment is not necessary in this case. Astringent mouthwashes and chewing gum may actually worsen the symptoms, so the best advice is to recommend natural remedies such as eating small meals frequently, keeping hydrated, and sucking on sour candies or ice chips.

Question 5

The patient in her first trimester of pregnancy is experiencing nausea. To promote self-care, the nurse should help the pregnant patient understand that the nausea might be relieved by:

Accepted Answer

Eating small, frequent meals can help relieve nausea in pregnant women. This helps to prevent an empty stomach, which can exacerbate nausea. Additionally, it is important for pregnant women to stay hydrated and get frequent, small amounts of nutrients throughout the day. Eating spicy foods, not eating until two hours after rising, and avoiding carbonated beverages are not recommended for relieving nausea in pregnant women.

Question 6

Upon arriving at the prenatal clinic in the morning, the nurse receives messages from four patients. Which patient complaint should be addressed first?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal bleeding after performing yoga at 30 weeks' gestation could indicate a serious condition such as placenta previa or abruptio placenta, which require immediate medical attention.

Question 7

The nurse is teaching an early pregnancy class for patients in the first trimester of pregnancy. Which statement requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Green-colored vaginal discharge is not normal and may indicate an infection. The patient should be advised to seek prompt medical attention. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements about early pregnancy.

Question 8

A 32-year-old primipara who is 8 weeks' gestation asks you if she should expect any respiratory changes as her pregnancy progresses. What should the nurse tell her?

Accepted Answer

As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus can push against the diaphragm and make breathing difficult for some women. However, as the fetus "drops" or "lightens" into the pelvis in preparation for birth, pressure on the diaphragm is relieved and many women experience a reduction in shortness of breath. It is important to note that while some degree of shortness of breath can be a normal symptom of pregnancy, sudden onset or severe shortness of breath should always be reported to a healthcare provider as it could be a sign of a serious complication.

Question 9

The pregnant patient is in her 21^st week of pregnancy and is planning a vacation with her family. She asks the nurse which method of travel would be recommended for her to use. How should the nurse respond? "The safest method of travel is to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The pregnant patient is in her 21^st...

Question 10

A 43-year-old client has just had a positive pregnancy test. She cries and states, "I just don't know what I'll do. I can't be pregnant." Which of the following nursing diagnoses would be the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The client's statement indicates that she is experiencing a decisional conflict related to the unexpected pregnancy. This diagnosis acknowledges her struggle to come to a decision about the pregnancy and allows the nurse to provide support and information to help the client make an informed choice. The other options are not appropriate as they do not address the client's specific concerns.

Question 11

A patient in her third trimester of pregnancy reports frequent leg cramps. What strategy would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?

Accepted Answer

Flexing the foot to stretch the calf can help alleviate leg cramps in pregnant women. Pointing the toes can actually worsen the cramp. Increasing protein intake and limiting activity may have potential benefits for overall health in pregnancy, but they are not specific strategies for leg cramp relief.

Question 12

A 23-year-old patient is 10 weeks' gestation with her first pregnancy. She expresses worry over feeling no sexual desire for her husband and asks if this is normal. How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is common for sexual desire to decrease due to hormonal changes, fatigue, and nausea. This often improves in the second trimester as these symptoms lessen.

Question 13

The nurse is preparing a class for expectant fathers. Which information should the nurse include?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is preparing a class for...

Question 14

The pregnant patient has asked the nurse what kinds of medications cause birth defects. Which statement would best this question?

Accepted Answer

The best and most accurate answer is to advise the patient to not take any medication without first consulting with their doctor. While birth defects are rare, it is important to err on the side of caution and avoid any potential risks to the developing fetus. Additionally, the statement about vitamin C is not entirely accurate and the statement that all medications will cause birth defects in the first trimester is false.

Quiz 11: The Expectant Family: Needs and Care