A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation.
What condition is the client most likely experiencing, what are 2 actions the nurse should take to address that
condition, and what are 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress?

Choice A is incorrect. Preterm labor is defined as uterine contractions that occur before 37 weeks of gestation. The

client in this case is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered term gestation. Therefore, preterm labor is not the

most likely condition the client is experiencing.

Rationale for Choice B

Choice B is partially correct. While bed rest may be recommended for some clients experiencing certain conditions

during pregnancy, it is not the most appropriate intervention for all clients at 38 weeks of gestation. Additionally,

administering medication without knowing the specific condition the client is experiencing is not safe or ethical.

Rationale for Choice C

Choice C is correct. Monitoring contraction frequency and fetal heart rate are two of the most important actions a

nurse can take to assess a client at 38 weeks of gestation. These parameters can provide valuable information about

the client's progress and help to identify any potential problems.

Explanation:

At 38 weeks of gestation, the client is considered to be at term. This means that she is full-term and her baby is ready

to be born. However, even at term, there are a number of conditions that can occur that may require nursing

intervention.

One of the most common conditions that can occur at term is labor. Labor is the process by which the uterus contracts

and dilates to push the baby out of the birth canal. The nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of

labor, such as:

Regular contractions that are becoming stronger and closer together

Bloody show (mucus mixed with blood)

Rupture of membranes (breaking of water)

If the nurse suspects that the client is in labor, she should notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Another condition that can occur at term is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can cause high

blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the face, hands, and feet. If the nurse suspects that the client has

preeclampsia, she should monitor the client's blood pressure, protein levels in the urine, and weight. She should also

notify the healthcare provider immediately.

In addition to monitoring for these specific conditions, the nurse should also perform a general assessment of the

client's health. This includes taking the client's vital signs, checking her abdomen for fetal movement, and listening to

the baby's heartbeat.

By monitoring the client for signs and symptoms of these conditions, the nurse can help to ensure a safe and healthy

delivery for both the mother and the baby.

Therefore, the two most important actions the nurse should take are:

Monitor the client for signs and symptoms of labor and preeclampsia.

Perform a general assessment of the client's health.

The two most important parameters the nurse should monitor are:

Contraction frequency and intensity

Fetal heart rate

By following these steps, the nurse can provide the best possible care for the client and her baby.

Choice C rationale:

Endometritis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is a common complication after childbirth,

affecting up to 1 in 10 women who deliver vaginally. Symptoms of endometritis typically develop within 1-3 days after

childbirth, but they can sometimes take up to a week to appear.

Swelling in the ankles is a common symptom of endometritis. This is because endometritis can cause inflammation and fluid

buildup in the pelvis, which can put pressure on the veins in the legs and cause them to swell.

Choice A rationale:

An increased heart rate can be a symptom of endometritis, but it is not a specific symptom. An increased heart rate can also be

caused by many other factors, such as fever, dehydration, and anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased appetite can be a symptom of endometritis, but it is not a specific symptom. Decreased appetite can also be caused

by many other factors, such as pain, fatigue, and nausea.

Choice D rationale:

Dry skin is not a typical symptom of endometritis. Dry skin can be caused by many other factors, such as dehydration,

medications, and underlying medical conditions.

Therefore, the most likely manifestation of endometritis in this patient is swelling in the ankles.