A client with hypertension reports experiencing blurred vision intermittently over the last few weeks. What should the nurse explain to the client?

Choice A reason:
Reviewing the diet and exercise guidelines with the client is an important step, but it may not address the immediate issue of the weight loss plateau. It's essential to first understand if the client has adhered to the guidelines before reviewing them.

Choice B reason:
Asking the client about any changes in diet or exercise patterns is the first step in identifying potential causes for the weight loss plateau. Changes in lifestyle, stress levels, eating habits, or physical activity can all contribute to a halt in weight loss. Understanding these factors can help the nurse tailor further advice and support.

Choice C reason:
Recommending a further reduction in calorie intake might not be the best initial approach. It's important to ensure that the client is not already consuming too few calories, which can slow metabolism and hinder weight loss. Moreover, drastic calorie reduction can be unsustainable and lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Choice D reason:
Instructing the client to record weights weekly is a useful tool for monitoring progress, but it does not address the current issue of the weight loss plateau. It's a supportive action that should follow after understanding and addressing the reasons behind the plateau.

Choice A reason:
Administering oxygen using a non-rebreather mask is a subsequent step if initial measures do not improve fetal heart rate decelerations. It can help increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus. Oxygen administration is a supportive measure that can be used if there are signs of fetal distress. In the scenario described, where the fetal heart rate slows after the start of a contraction with the lowest rate occurring after the peak, it suggests late decelerations, which are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Administering oxygen can help increase the fetal oxygen reserve and is a common intervention during labor when there are concerns about fetal well-being.

Choice B reason:
Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion is typically considered when there is a concern for maternal hypotension or dehydration, which may not be the immediate cause of the observed fetal heart rate pattern. Increasing the rate of an IV infusion can help improve maternal hydration and blood pressure, which in turn can enhance placental perfusion. However, this intervention is more indirect and may not provide the immediate response needed to address fetal heart rate decelerations. It is typically considered after more direct interventions, such as repositioning the mother, have been attempted.

Choice C reason:
Elevating the client's legs can help improve venous return to the heart, potentially increasing maternal cardiac output and blood flow to the placenta. While this can be beneficial, it is not the primary intervention for late decelerations. Repositioning the mother to improve uteroplacental circulation is generally the first step.
Choice D reason:
Placing the client in the lateral position is often the first action taken when late decelerations are observed. This position helps improve uteroplacental blood flow and can quickly address potential issues related to fetal oxygenation. This position helps to relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava and aorta, which can be compressed by the gravid uterus, especially in the supine position. Relieving this pressure helps to improve uteroplacental circulation and can quickly address the cause of late decelerations, which is often related to compromised blood flow to the placenta.