A client who is 4 weeks pregnant, is at the first prenatal visit and reports to the nurse the use of alcohol. Which of the following should the nurse educate the client about, to be a safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy?

Explanation:

A. "Don't worry. You will be fine once the baby is born."

This response may inadvertently dismiss the client's feelings of doubt and uncertainty. It assumes that the client's concerns will automatically resolve after childbirth, which may not be the case for everyone. It lacks acknowledgment of the client's current emotional state and does not offer meaningful support or guidance.

B. "Ambivalent feelings are quite common for women early in pregnancy."

This response acknowledges the client's feelings of doubt and uncertainty as valid and common experiences during early pregnancy. It normalizes her emotions, letting her know that she is not alone in feeling this way. By providing this validation, the nurse creates a supportive environment where the client can feel understood and accepted.

C. "Perhaps you should see a counselor to discuss these feelings further."

Suggesting counseling is a proactive and supportive approach. It recognizes that the client's emotions are complex and may benefit from professional guidance. Counseling offers a safe space for the client to explore her feelings, understand their root causes, and develop coping strategies. It demonstrates the nurse's commitment to the client's emotional well-being and encourages seeking help when needed.

D. "Have you spoken to your mother about these feelings?"

While seeking support from family members can be valuable, this response may not fully address the client's emotional needs. It assumes that talking to her mother will automatically resolve her concerns, which may not always be the case. Additionally, some clients may prefer discussing sensitive issues with a neutral third party or a trained counselor who can offer unbiased support and guidance.

Explanation:

A. A client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and receiving terbutaline reports fine tremors:

Fine tremors are a known side effect of terbutaline, which is often used to delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterus. While tremors are a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, they are not typically considered an urgent concern unless they are severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

B. A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia has 2+ proteinuria and 2+ patellar reflexes:

Proteinuria (2+) and increased deep tendon reflexes (2+) are significant findings in a client with preeclampsia, indicating worsening of the condition and potential organ involvement. However, they may not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other severe symptoms such as severe hypertension, severe headache, visual disturbances, or epigastric pain.

C. A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia reports epigastric pain and unresolved headache:

This is the correct answer. Epigastric pain and unresolved headache are concerning symptoms in a client with preeclampsia and can indicate worsening of the condition or complications such as HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count). These symptoms may suggest liver involvement, which is a serious complication of preeclampsia and requires immediate evaluation and management by the provider.

D. A tearful client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and is experiencing irregular, frequent contractions:

While tearfulness and irregular, frequent contractions may indicate emotional distress or early labor, they are not typically considered urgent findings unless accompanied by other signs of impending preterm labor such as cervical changes or regular, painful contractions. Immediate reporting is important if there are signs of active labor or cervical changes, but based on the information provided, this finding is not as urgent as the epigastric pain and unresolved headache in a client with preeclampsia.