A patient who is 7 months pregnant with her first child is visiting the health care provider for her scheduled prenatal checkup.She tells the nurse that she is short of breath and fatigued.What is the best response from the nurse?
A) "You should have let us know immediately instead of waiting until your appointment."
B) "I'll make a note of it on your chart."
C) "That is normal; your uterus is causing pressure on your diaphragm, making it more difficult to breathe."
D) "Oxygen is needed for you and the baby. I will give you some oxygen to help you."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pregnancy causes changes in ventilation.As the fetus grows during pregnancy,the greater size of the uterus pushes abdominal contents up against the diaphragm.During the last trimester of pregnancy the inspiratory capacity declines,resulting in dyspnea on exertion and increased fatigue.Letting the nurse know immediately and applying oxygen are not needed because this is a normal finding.Making a note of it on the chart does not address the patient's need.

A Patient Who Is 7 Months Pregnant with Her First