A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is using pattern-paced breathing during the first stage of labor. The client says she feels lightheaded, and her fingers are tingling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer is Choice D. The biophysical profile is a prenatal test used to assess fetal well-being in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is not used to determine the estimated date of birth (Choice A), as that is typically calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period and confirmed or adjusted by early ultrasounds.

The test also does not require the client to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 8 hours prior to the test (Choice B). This restriction is commonly associated with certain medical procedures, but it is not applicable to the biophysical profile.

Furthermore, there is no need to initiate an IV (intravenous line) before the biophysical profile (Choice C). The test is non-invasive and involves the use of ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring. The biophysical profile assesses several fetal parameters, such as fetal movement, fetal tone, fetal breathing movements, amniotic fluid volume, and the fetal heart rate. These parameters help evaluate the well-being and health of the baby. The test is often recommended in cases of high-risk pregnancies, decreased fetal movement, or other conditions that may warrant closer monitoring of the baby's condition. By knowing that the biophysical profile predicts fetal well-being in the third trimester, the nurse can provide accurate information to the client, reassuring them about the health of their baby and explaining the importance of the test in ensuring a safe delivery and healthy outcome.

Dysuria - Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination. In a client with a urinary tract infection (UTI), this symptom is commonly present. The rationale behind this finding is that the infection irritates the urinary tract, causing discomfort and pain during urination. The client may experience a burning sensation or pressure while passing urine.

Choice D rationale

Hematuria - Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. In the case of a UTI, inflammation of the urinary tract can lead to tiny blood vessels rupturing, resulting in blood in the urine. This can cause the urine to appear pink, red, or brownish.

Choice E rationale:

Urinary frequency - Urinary frequency is another common symptom of a UTI. The infection can irritate the bladder lining, leading to an increased urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. The client may feel the need to urinate frequently throughout the day and night.

Choice B rationale

Dependent edema - Dependent edema is not typically associated with a urinary tract infection. Edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissues, often causing swelling in the lower extremities due to gravity (dependent). This symptom is more commonly related to issues such as heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Choice C rationale

Polyuria - Polyuria refers to excessive urination, usually producing abnormally large volumes of urine. While frequent urination is a symptom of a UTI, polyuria, in this context, is not accurate. UTIs tend to cause frequent but smaller volumes of urine due to the irritation and inflammation of the bladder.