A 23-year-old primigravida who appears to be in her third trimester of pregnancy comes to the labor and delivery unit reporting acute abdominal pain. She has had no prenatal care. Which assessment should the nurse do first?

Obtain a full history.

Examine the cervix for dilation

Examine the cervix for dilation.

Palpate for uterine contraction frequency

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

This is because the first priority for a pregnant woman with acute abdominal pain is to assess the fetal well-being and rule out any obstetric complications such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, or preterm labor. Fetal heart tones can indicate the presence and viability of the fetus and alert the nurse to any signs of fetal distress or hypoxia.

Choice A: Obtain a full history is wrong because it is not the most urgent action.

A full history can provide valuable information about the possible causes of abdominal pain, but it should not delay the assessment of fetal status and maternal vital signs.

Choice B: Examine the cervix for dilation is wrong because it can be harmful in some cases. A digital cervical examination should be avoided until placenta previa is ruled out by ultrasound, as it can cause bleeding and worsen the condition.

Moreover, cervical dilation alone does not indicate the cause or severity of abdominal pain.

Choice D: Palpate for uterine contraction frequency is wrong because it is not the most reliable method to assess labor. Uterine contractions can be measured by external tocodynamometry or internal intrauterine pressure catheter, which can provide more accurate and objective data than manual palpation.

Furthermore, uterine contractions do not necessarily indicate labor, as they can also be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, infection, or irritable uterus.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Stretching your legs and pointing your toes toward your knee will bring relief from the leg cramps.This is because stretching can help relax the muscle and ease the spasm.

Choice A is wrong because elevating your legs may not help with leg cramps, and may actually worsen them by reducing blood flow to the muscles.

Choice B is wrong because massaging your legs may not be enough to relieve the cramps, and may also cause more pain if done too hard or too fast.

Choice D is wrong because putting a cold compress on the calf of your leg may not be effective for leg cramps, and may also cause more discomfort or inflammation.

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimester.They are caused by various factors, such as pregnancy weight gain, changes in blood circulation, pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, nutrient deficiency, lack of exercise, or fluid buildup in your legs.To prevent or reduce leg cramps, you should drink plenty of water, stay active, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, wear comfortable shoes and socks, and sleep on your left side with a pillow under or between your legs.

If leg cramps persist or become severe, you should consult your healthcare provider for possible treatment options.

A. Remind her that an increase in fetal activity will require an increase in her need to rest. B. Explain to her that she is likely to have back labor. C. Arrange for her to meet the staff who will be caring for her during labor and delivery. D. Teach her how to test her urine for the presence of glucose.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Arrange for her to meet the staff who will be caring for her during labor and delivery.This measure can help reduce the anxiety and fear of the unknown that a primigravida may have in the last month of pregnancy.Meeting the staff can also help establish rapport and trust, which are essential for a positive birth experience.

Choice A is wrong because an increase in fetal activity does not necessarily require an increase in the need to rest.

Fetal activity is normal and expected, and the mother should monitor it regularly.Resting may help with some discomforts of pregnancy, but it is not directly related to fetal activity.

Choice B is wrong because back labor is not likely for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Back labor occurs when the fetus is in an occiput posterior position, which puts pressure on the mother’s spine and causes intense pain in the lower back.This position is more common in multiparous women than primigravidas.

Choice D is wrong because testing urine for glucose is not a routine measure for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Urine glucose testing is done for women who have gestational diabetes or are at risk of developing it.It is not necessary for women who have normal blood glucose levels.

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A 23-year-old primigravida who appears to be in her third trimester of pregnancy comes to the labor and delivery unit reporting acute abdominal pain. She has had no prenatal care. Which assessment should the nurse do first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During a regular clinic visit, a patient who is 28 weeks pregnant reports leg cramps. The nurse teaches the patient measures to relieve the cramps. Which statement would indicate that the patient understands the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old primigravida who is in the last month of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Which measure is most appropriate to include in the patient’s plan of care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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