A pregnant patient in labor tells the nurse that she is afraid she may have harmed her fetus by consuming alcohol. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although heavy use of alcohol has known adverse effects on the fetus, the effects of lower levels are unknown. The nurse should first question the patient about the amount of alcohol consumed at which stages of pregnancy to better determine the potential risk. Many women consume alcohol before knowing they are pregnant without any seeming ill effects. Reassuring this patient that her risks are low is not appropriate without further information. Moreover, reassuring her without getting more information only belittles her fears. Telling a patient that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy would be an appropriate intervention during counseling of a woman who has just discovered she is pregnant; however, it would only intensify the fears of this patient. Telling the patient that the outcomes will not be evident for years would only intensify her fears.

A Pregnant Patient in Labor Tells the Nurse That She