While the nurse is taking the patients history, the patient tells the nurse she is trying to get pregnant and she is very fearful she will have another miscarriage. She states she has lost two pregnancies and she shares with the nurse that she does not know why she lost the babies. Based on this patients history, what recommendation should the nurse make at the present time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the present time, the nurse should inform the woman about chromosome studies. Chromosome studies may be needed at any age, depending on the indication. Two common indications are a suspected diagnosis, such as Down syndrome, and a history of two or more unexplained pregnancy losses, which the woman has described. The other answers are incorrect because instructing the woman to continue to try to get pregnant is redundant. The woman has already said she is trying to get pregnant. She should have an amniocentesis with the next pregnancy, but this is not as imperative as the chromosome studies. Telling the patient she will not experience another loss would be a belittling response. It is her choice to have the chromosome studies, but it is important that the nurse explain all the risks surrounding pregnancy and pregnancy loss based on the patients history.

While the Nurse Is Taking the Patients History, the Patient