A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and who asks about the signs that precede the onset of labor. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a sign that precedes labor?
A surge of energy
Urinary retention
Decreased vaginal discharge
Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg
The Correct Answer is A
A. A surge of energy: Some women experience a sudden burst of energy, often referred to as a "nesting" instinct, shortly before the onset of labor.
B. Urinary retention: Urinary frequency and urgency are more common before labor, not urinary retention.
C. Decreased vaginal discharge: Before labor, there might be an increase in vaginal discharge, often thick and pinkish, known as the "bloody show."
D. Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg: Weight gain is not typically associated with the onset of labor.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Quickening: Quickening is the term used to describe the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman. It typically occurs between 16 to 20 weeks of gestation, which aligns with the client's statement about feeling fluttering movements at 18 weeks.
B) Ballottement: Ballottement is a physical examination technique performed by a healthcare provider to assess the fetus's position in the uterus. It is not related to the client's perception of fetal movement.
C) Chloasma: Chloasma refers to hyperpigmented skin areas that can appear during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It is not related to fetal movement.
D) Lightening: Lightening refers to the descent of the fetal head into the maternal pelvis, which typically occurs in the third trimester. It is not related to the feeling of fetal movements by the mother.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Elevating the client's legs is a measure to increase blood flow to the brain in cases of orthostatic hypotension but may not be sufficient to improve fetal oxygenation in this situation. The lateral position is preferred as it improves uterine perfusion.
Choice B: The client's blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The priority nursing action is to place the client in a lateral (sidelying) position to improve blood flow to vital organs, including the uterus and placenta, and prevent further compromise of fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is an important nursing action, but the priority in this situation is to address the hypotension and improve maternal and fetal wellbeing first.
Choice D: Notifying the provider is an important step, but it should not be the first action. Immediate intervention to address the hypotension is required to improve fetal oxygenation.
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