A client at 9-weeks gestation informs the nurse that she has reduced her alcohol intake but still consumes at least one alcoholic drink every evening before bedtime.
What action should the nurse take?
Praise the client for her actions and offer to discuss ways to decrease consumption even more.
Insist that the client stop all alcohol use and draw a blood alcohol level at each prenatal visit.
Notify child protective services of the client’s illicit drug use and probable child endangerment.
Refer the client to an outpatient alcohol abuse program for disulfiram therapy.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is A. Praise the client for her actions and offer to discuss ways to decrease consumption even more.
Why? During pregnancy, any amount of alcohol poses a risk to the developing fetus, but abruptly shaming or forcing action may not be effective. The best approach is motivational interviewing, which involves acknowledging the client's reduction while encouraging further progress. A supportive conversation can help guide the client toward complete cessation of alcohol use.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
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B. Insist that the client stop all alcohol use and draw a blood alcohol level at each prenatal visit – While alcohol cessation is the goal, forcing the client without a supportive approach can lead to resistance. Routine blood alcohol testing is not standard unless substance dependence is suspected.
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C. Notify child protective services of the client’s illicit drug use and probable child endangerment – Alcohol is not classified as an illicit drug, and reporting at this stage would be premature unless clear evidence of abuse or harm to the fetus exists.
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D. Refer the client to an outpatient alcohol abuse program for disulfiram therapy – Disulfiram (Antabuse) is not recommended in pregnancy, as it may cause adverse effects. Instead, behavioral counseling and support groups are preferred interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preparing a vacuum is not the first action to take in this situation. A vacuum-assisted delivery might be considered in some cases, but it’s not the immediate action when the fetal head retracts against the perineum.
Choice B rationale
Applying suprapubic pressure is the correct action. This situation describes shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. Suprapubic pressure can help dislodge the baby’s shoulder and allow the delivery to proceed.
Choice C rationale
Applying fundal pressure is not recommended in this situation. Fundal pressure could potentially worsen shoulder dystocia and is generally avoided.
Choice D rationale
Preparing forceps is not the immediate action to take. Forceps may be used in some delivery situations, but in the case of shoulder dystocia, other maneuvers are tried first.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel of a newborn can help monitor oxygen saturation levels. However, the symptoms described, such as jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry, are more indicative of hypoglycemia, a condition that would not be detected by a pulse oximeter.
Choice B rationale
Swaddling the infant in a warm blanket can help maintain body temperature, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which are suggestive of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the findings in the record is an important part of nursing care, but it does not provide immediate intervention for the symptoms observed.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is the appropriate action given the symptoms described. Jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry can be signs of neonatal hypoglycemia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications.
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