A nurse is caring for a female client scheduled to have a pelvic exam. The client tells the nurse, “I’m really nervous.
I’ve never had a pelvic exam before.” Which of the following is an appropriate therapeutic response by the nurse?

The correct answer is choiceA. Here are the rationales for each choice:

Choice A rationale:

Emptying the bladder immediately prior to the procedure is recommended to reduce the risk of bladder puncture during the amniocentesis. A full bladder can obstruct the procedure and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B rationale:

Washing the abdomen with soap and water the morning of the procedure is not specifically required for amniocentesis.Standard hygiene practices are sufficient.

Choice C rationale:

Giving herself a hypertonic enema the day before the procedure is not necessary and is not recommended.There is no need for bowel preparation before an amniocentesis.

Choice D rationale:

Refraining from eating breakfast the day of the procedure is not required.Patients can eat and drink as normal before the procedure.

Choice A rationale:
Fetal movement counts are a simple yet effective tool to monitor fetal well-being in women with preeclampsia. They provide valuable insights into the baby's activity level and can alert the healthcare team to potential concerns early on.
Preeclampsia can compromise placental blood flow, which can lead to decreased fetal movement. By tracking fetal movements daily, the mother can detect any significant changes or reductions in activity, prompting further assessment and intervention if necessary.
Research has shown that regular fetal movement counts can reduce the risk of stillbirth in women with preeclampsia. This is because prompt recognition of decreased fetal movements allows for timely interventions, such as closer monitoring, induction of labor, or delivery, to prevent adverse outcomes.
Daily fetal movement counts empower women to take an active role in their pregnancy care and contribute to a sense of control in a condition that can often feel unpredictable. This increased involvement can promote maternal-fetal bonding and reduce anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
While fluid restriction has been a traditional recommendation for preeclampsia, current evidence does not support limiting fluid intake to 1,000 ml/day. In fact, excessive fluid restriction can lead to dehydration, which can worsen placental perfusion and compromise fetal well-being.
It's essential for women with preeclampsia to maintain adequate hydration to support essential bodily functions and fetal growth. Adequate fluid intake also helps to prevent urinary tract infections, which are more common in women with preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
Although reducing sodium intake can be beneficial for overall blood pressure control, there's insufficient evidence to support a strict sodium restriction of 2,000 mg/day specifically for managing mild preeclampsia. Individual needs may vary, and a more moderate approach to sodium reduction is often recommended.
Focusing on a balanced, healthy diet with appropriate sodium intake is generally more effective than strict limitations. This approach promotes overall well-being and supports healthy blood pressure levels without compromising nutritional needs. Choice D rationale:
Rest is often recommended for women with preeclampsia to reduce stress on the cardiovascular system and promote placental blood flow. However, the supine position (lying on the back) is not ideal, as it can further compress the large blood vessels in the abdomen and potentially reduce blood flow to the placenta.
Side-lying positions, particularly the left lateral position, are preferred for women with preeclampsia. These positions help to alleviate pressure on the major blood vessels, enhance blood flow, and improve uteroplacental circulation, which benefits both the mother and the baby.